OGDEN, Utah — In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing essential medical care to the homeless community, the Ogden Fire Department has officially launched a mobile outreach clinic. This innovative program, which began this week, seeks to meet individuals experiencing homelessness where they are, delivering immediate medical assistance and support. Ogden City Fire Chief Mike Slater emphasized the compassion driving this initiative, stating, "In our hearts, we need to love them and care about them. And that’s the approach we took. We just want to help people get the right health care, and what we do know is taking someone to the emergency room is not always the best care for that individual." The mobile clinic stems from an initiative started last year, following a notable increase in calls for service from the Lantern House homeless shelter. Recognizing the need for targeted intervention, the fire department, with the aid of state grants, appointed a full-time medical advocate tasked with triaging needs, managing medication, and facilitating access to appropriate medical care. This proactive approach has already shown promising results, according to Slater, who noted a significant reduction in hospital transports and improved health outcomes for clients. Lauren Navidomskis, the executive director of the Lantern House, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating, "It's been a huge relief, especially to our staff and the clients, knowing that there's a community wrapping behind them, more than just service workers and law enforcement agencies." This partnership allows providers to focus on long-term solutions, such as securing housing for the homeless, rather than solely managing immediate crises. The mobile clinic is designed to extend the successful services already implemented at the homeless shelter to other locations, including parks and encampments where many unsheltered individuals reside. Slater explained, "We’re going to get out to the parks and encampments and the unsheltered that are kind of hidden, and address the same needs they have." The clinic encompasses a range of services, including wound care, assistance with scheduling doctor appointments, and help in applying for insurance through programs like Medicaid and Medicare. In addition to medical care, the mobile outreach clinic also prioritizes the distribution of essential supplies. Slater noted that the clinic will provide hygiene kits, sanitation kits, blankets, and warm packs to help individuals cope with the cold weather. This holistic approach to community health aims to ensure that those experiencing homelessness receive not only medical attention but also the supplies necessary for maintaining their dignity and safety. The Ogden Police Department is also actively involved in addressing homelessness through its own advocates who accompany officers in the field. This collaboration between the fire department and police represents a pioneering approach to public health and safety. According to Slater, Ogden Fire Department may be the first in the nation to implement a mobile clinic of this nature, setting a precedent for other cities and counties to follow suit in addressing the needs of their unsheltered populations. Slater’s vision for this mobile clinic extends beyond immediate care; he hopes it will foster a preventative approach to health. By providing accessible medical assistance, the initiative aims to reduce the frequency of emergency 911 calls that often arise from untreated health issues. Navidomskis echoed this sentiment, stating, "These individuals hear so often, like, 'OK, come back next week and we'll fill out a paper to do that.' The mobile clinic and the approach that the Ogden Police Department and Ogden Fire Department are instilling is that we can answer that as best we can in this moment, with the resources we have." The overarching goal of the mobile outreach clinic is to decrease the number of individuals living on the streets and to facilitate a smoother transition into stable housing. “Less people on the street ideally,” Slater remarked, “we would get people to the places they need to be with compassion and love.” As the program progresses, both Slater and Navidomskis are optimistic about the impact this initiative will have on the homeless community in Ogden, hoping that it will serve as a model for similar programs across the country. The launch of the mobile outreach clinic not only addresses immediate medical needs but also represents a significant step towards a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to homelessness in Ogden. By bridging the gap between healthcare services and those in need, the Ogden Fire Department is taking a vital step in reshaping how communities support their most vulnerable members.