Skid Row Street Medicine: The Women's Health Crisis You Haven't Heard About (2026)

Price changes can be a challenge, especially for those facing homelessness. Dr. Mary Marfisee, a family medicine physician and assistant professor of medicine at UCLA, works at the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles' Skid Row. She provides medical care to the homeless, including women, who face unique health challenges due to a lack of resources. Marfisee's approach is slow and deliberate, taking time to build trust and rapport with her patients. She listens to their lungs, checks for infections, and provides information about nearby clinics. However, her patients' top priority is finding stable housing, and their health is often neglected. This leads to small problems becoming more serious over time. Homeless women face even more challenges than men due to a lack of services, and they often struggle to access preventative care. Marfisee and her team have launched a women's health initiative to provide more resources and support. They offer regular town halls to raise awareness and encourage women to ask questions about their health. Additionally, they have partnered with a local hospital to bring a mobile health van to the shelter twice a month, offering free pap smears and mammograms. Despite some red tape and logistical challenges, Marfisee remains optimistic and determined to make a difference in the lives of these women.

Skid Row Street Medicine: The Women's Health Crisis You Haven't Heard About (2026)
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