CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A new initiative named Wellness Without Walls is providing medical and mental health care directly to Charlotte's unhoused population, eliminating the need for them to travel to healthcare facilities. This program collaborates with shelter workers and healthcare professionals to reach individuals in their own environments.
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The outreach efforts have been ongoing for a year, with care teams visiting various locations in Charlotte to deliver essential services. On Tuesday, Oct. 6, a team, including Dr. Afrayem “Fry” Morgan, an addiction medicine specialist and psychiatrist with Atrium Health, set up appointments at a shopping center near Woodlawn Road. Dr. Morgan noted the challenges that mental health issues and addiction pose for those experiencing homelessness, making it difficult for them to engage with conventional healthcare systems.
During the program’s tenure, doctors have worked alongside staff from Roof Above and Hearts for the Invisible, successfully enrolling 130 individuals. Carrie Stevens, senior manager for Atrium Health Behavioral Health, reported that over 20 participants have secured housing as a result of the program. The outreach includes thorough intake assessments that review medical and psychiatric histories, allowing healthcare teams to make appropriate treatment recommendations, including medication prescriptions and referrals to specialists.
Dr. Morgan emphasized the importance of establishing trust with participants, sharing that many have expressed gratitude for being listened to without medical jargon. The team is also in the process of retrofitting a custom van to serve as a mobile clinic, providing a more private space for care and paperwork. This development aims to enhance access to necessary health services for the community.