What is the Street Medicine Program?

Tower Health Medical Group's Street Medicine Program offers primary and preventative care to the unsheltered homeless, shelter residents, and anyone who is at high risk of experiencing homelessness. Our outreach efforts extend to encampments, parks, under bridges, and along rivers and mountains throughout the county.

At the conclusion of the 2016 Berks County Community Health Needs Assessment, one of the key priority areas identified was access to care. One population within our community that struggles the most with accessing quality healthcare are those who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless.

Our Mission

Our mobile model for real-world care bridges the gap between medicine and the margins to provide community-based care, empowering health access for all. 

  • Deliver equitable and patient-centered primary and acute healthcare services to individuals experiencing homeless
  • Increase accessibility and continuity of care by connecting patients to healthcare services through telehealth
  • Provide patient case management services and inpatient consultations
  • Educate patients on available community services and resources
When Should I Visit the Doctor?

Doctors can see you for many health needs. Come see us if you have a new health problem or something you have had for a long time. Here are a few examples:

  • Medicine refills
  • Cold symptoms
  • Sore muscles and joints
  • Flu shots
  • Blood pressure checks
  • A new or long-term wound
  • Diabetes education
  • Trouble with your feet
  • Women’s health (by appointment)
  • Check-ups and care for children

Street Medicine Services

Note: Some services are provided periodically or intermittently. 

  • Telemedicine. Virtual consultations to provide medical assistance and follow-up care
  • Diabetic Education. Guidance and support for managing diabetes
  • Physical Therapy. Rehabilitation services to improve physical health
  • Endocrinology. Specialized care for hormone-related disorders
  • Pulmonary, Neurology, and Vision sub-clinics. Specialized clinics for respiratory, neurological, and vision health
  • Social Determinants of Health Screenings (SDoH). Assessments and resources to address social factors affecting health
  • Comprehensive Case Management. Assistance with medical and social needs, including housing, transportation, and documentation
  • Rapid HIV Testing. Quick and confidential HIV testing
  • Hepatitis C Testing (coming soon). Screening for Hepatitis C

Primary Care and Specialty Services

  • Primary Care
    • Internal medicine
    • Family medicine
  • OB/GYN. Comprehensive women's health services, including:
    • Prenatal and postpartum care
    • Contraception and family planning
    • Gynecological exams
    • Menstrual health and menopause management
    • Cancer screenings
  • Addiction Medicine. Support and treatment for substance use disorders
  • Pediatric Services
    • General examinations
    • Physical exams for school entry
    • Driver’s license examinations
    • Daycare forms
    • Sick and well visits
  • Podiatry. Foot and ankle care
  • Psychiatry. Mental health services

Street Medicine Telemedicine Kiosk

Telemedicine is a medical video solution that provides remote access to the Street Medicine health professionals. The provider can address many health needs of a patient during a telemedicine visit. 

Schedule a virtual visit for a new or preexisting health issue. Here are a few examples:

  • Medication refills
  • Cold symptoms
  • Sore muscles and joints
  • Blood pressure checks
  • Diabetes education
  • Re-evaluations and follow ups

Provider - Christine Nepple, CRNP, Director of Clinical Services for Street Medicine

Appointments - To make an appointment, call between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome at certain times.

Phone - Call or text 610-816-4002

Location - Hope Rescue Mission - 645 N. 6th St. Reading, PA 19601

Weekly Clinics

We provide primary and preventative care at various locations and times throughout the city. We partner with multiple organizations to offer our services, including:

2026 Clinic Schedule

February
Tuesday, February 3
(OB/GYN)
  • Hope Rescue Mission: 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Lighthouse: 6 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, February 11
  • City Light: 7 to 8 a.m.
  • Mary’s Shelter: 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
  • New Journey: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, February 17
(Pediatrics)
  • Hope Rescue Mission: 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Lighthouse: 6 to 9 p.m. 
Wednesday, February 25
  • City Light: 7 to 8 a.m.
  • YMCA: 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
  • New Journey: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March
Tuesday, March 3
(OB/GYN)
  • Hope Rescue Mission: 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Lighthouse: 6 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11
  • City Light: 7 to 8 a.m.
  • Mary’s Shelter: 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
  • New Journey: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, March 17
(Pediatrics)
  • Hope Rescue Mission: 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Lighthouse: 6 to 9 p.m. 
Wednesday, March 25
  • City Light: 7 to 8 a.m.
  • YMCA: 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
  • New Journey: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, March 31
(OB/GYN)
  • Hope Rescue Mission: 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Lighthouse: 6 to 9 p.m.
April
Wednesday, April 8
  • City Light: 7 to 8 a.m.
  • Mary’s Shelter: 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
  • New Journey: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, April 14
(Pediatrics)
  • Hope Rescue Mission: 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Lighthouse: 6 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22
  • City Light: 7 to 8 a.m.
  • YMCA: 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
  • New Journey: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28
(OB/GYN)
  • Hope Rescue Mission: 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Lighthouse: 6 to 9 p.m. 
May
Wednesday, May 6
  • City Light: 7 to 8 a.m.
  • Mary's Shelter: 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
  • New Journey: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12
(Pediatrics)
  • Hope Rescue Mission: 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Lighthouse: 6 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20
  • City Light: 7 to 8 a.m.
  • YMCA: 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
  • New Journey: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, May 26
(OB/GYN)
  • Hope Rescue Mission: 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Lighthouse: 6 to 9 p.m. 
June
Wednesday, June 3
  • City Light: 7 to 8 a.m.
  • Mary's Shelter: 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
  • New Journey: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, June 9
(Pediatrics)
  • Hope Rescue Mission: 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Lighthouse: 6 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, June 17
  • City Light: 7 to 8 a.m.
  • YMCA: 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
  • New Journey: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, June 23
(OB/GYN)
  • Hope Rescue Mission: 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Lighthouse: 6 to 9 p.m. 

Key Collaborations

Our Street Medicine program collaborates with numerous hospital services, departments, and community resources to provide comprehensive care, including:

  • Community Connections Program (CCP)
  • Center for Public Health (CPH)
  • Mobile Mammography Coach
  • Soft Landing Program
  • Center of Excellence for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
  • Drexel Medical School
  • Connections Work
  • Salvation Army
  • Berks Coalition to End Homelessness
  • Homelessness Outreach Taskforce

Videos

Our Progress

Street Medicine Encounters 
Any encounter between a patient and Street Medicine team member (in person, by phone, and via the Telehealth Kiosk)

  • FY2024: 3,725
  • FY2023: 2,130

Street Medicine Visits 
Any patient seen by a Street Medicine provider

  • FY2024: 2,283
  • FY2023: 1,320

Volunteer Hours

  • FY2024: 1,784.75
  • FY2023: 1,713.75

*Data verified by Epic