County Commissioners Honor Street Medicine Program in Elizabeth

The Union County Board of County Commissioners honored the RWJBarnabas Health Street Medicine program at Trinitas Regional Medical Center with a special resolution recognizing New Jersey's first program of its kind. The resolution was presented to Dr. Edward Egan, medical director, and Dr. Nancy DiLiegro, president and CEO of Trinitas.

The Street Medicine Program launched on May 19, 2026, bringing essential healthcare services directly to unhoused individuals across Elizabeth. Rather than requiring patients to access care through traditional clinics or emergency rooms, the program deploys a highly trained medical team that travels the city in a clearly marked van, meeting patients where they are.

"Every single day we see first-hand the impacts of homelessness on one's physical, mental, and emotional health," DiLiegro said. "This initiative strategically delivers care to those who need it most, helping intervene and prevent a health crisis that would require emergency care."

The program represents a strategic shift in healthcare delivery, addressing gaps in access for one of Elizabeth's most vulnerable populations. Rather than waiting for unhoused individuals to navigate complex healthcare systems, the program brings care directly to homeless shelters, transitional housing centers, and community spaces.

Union County Life covers healthcare innovation, community health programs, and civic initiatives addressing social determinants of health in Elizabeth and across Union County.

The Street Medicine Program delivers a full spectrum of care. Services include urgent and acute care, chronic disease management and preventive care, mental health and street psychiatry, and substance use support and harm reduction. The program does not simply treat immediate symptoms but works to connect patients to long-term solutions, including transportation to local clinics, housing assistance, and behavioral health services.

Dr. Edward Egan, an Emergency Department attending physician at Trinitas, leads the program as medical director. His background in emergency medicine positions the program to address the complex health needs that often accompany homelessness.

Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage recognized the program's significance at its launch. "This initiative will be life changing for our city. I am grateful to RWJBarnabas Health and the team at Trinitas Regional Medical Center for launching this program that will provide care to the homeless in our city and strengthen community health across the region."

The program was launched with expansion in mind. RWJBarnabas Health has signaled its goal to expand the Street Medicine model to other areas across New Jersey, potentially replicating the Elizabeth program's success in communities facing similar challenges.

For Elizabeth residents interested in learning more about the program or accessing its services, contact Trinitas Regional Medical Center or RWJBarnabas Health directly.

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FAQ

Q: What is the Street Medicine Program?
A: New Jersey's first Street Medicine Program, launched May 19, 2026, by RWJBarnabas Health at Trinitas Regional Medical Center. The program brings essential healthcare services directly to unhoused individuals across Elizabeth. A highly trained medical team travels in a clearly marked van to homeless shelters, transitional housing centers, and other spaces where people experiencing homelessness congregate.

Q: What services does the Street Medicine Program provide?
A: The program delivers a full spectrum of care including urgent and acute care, chronic disease management and preventive care, mental health and street psychiatry, and substance use support and harm reduction. The team also connects patients to transportation, local clinics, housing assistance, and behavioral health services for long-term solutions.

Q: Who leads the Street Medicine Program?
A: Dr. Edward Egan, an Emergency Department attending physician at Trinitas Regional Medical Center, serves as medical director of the Street Medicine Program.

Q: How does the Street Medicine Program reach patients?
A: The program deploys a mobile medical team that travels throughout Elizabeth in a clearly marked van. The team visits homeless shelters, transitional housing centers, and other locations where unhoused individuals typically congregate, bringing care directly to patients.

Q: Where is the program located?
A: The Street Medicine Program operates through Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth and serves patients across the city through mobile outreach.

Q: Does the program connect patients to long-term care?
A: Yes. The program works to connect patients to long-term health solutions, including access to clinics, housing assistance, mental health services, and substance use support, not just immediate care.

Q: Will the program expand beyond Elizabeth?
A: Yes. The Street Medicine Program was launched with the goal of expanding to other areas across New Jersey, potentially replicating the Elizabeth program's model in other communities.

Q: Why is the Street Medicine Program different from traditional healthcare?
A: Traditional healthcare requires patients to access care through clinics or emergency rooms. The Street Medicine Program brings care directly to unhoused individuals where they are, removing barriers to access and providing preventive, community-based care.

Q: Who recognized the Street Medicine Program?
A: The Union County Board of County Commissioners honored the program with a special resolution presented to Dr. Edward Egan and Dr. Nancy DiLiegro, president and CEO of Trinitas Regional Medical Center.

Q: How can I access the Street Medicine Program or get more information?
A: Contact Trinitas Regional Medical Center or RWJBarnabas Health for information about accessing the Street Medicine Program or referring someone for services.