GRAND RAPIDS, MI (May 27, 2020) — Mel Trotter Ministries has been awarded a grant to offer telehealth services to guests by the Saint Mary’s Foundation. This grant will allow the guests that stay at Mel Trotter to receive accessible medical care onsite by removing barriers that hinder them from receiving care. Services will be billed through insurance and those without insurance will be guided to resources in the community to receive health insurance.

The COVID-19 pandemic made the lack of proper medical care among the homeless population more clear than ever before. Implementing telehealth seemed like the right move, but with so many resources going towards COVID-19 response efforts, MTM turned to the Saint Mary’s Foundation for assistance.

“We know now more than ever that medical services are being provided in a different way and many providers have moved to seeing patients through telehealth. Those experiencing homelessness might not have the ability to engage with their doctors in this manner due to a lack of technology, understanding how telehealth works and the lack of privacy to conduct a telehealth appointment. Bringing this service onsite is going to allow our guests an opportunity to either become reengaged with their healthcare provider or get connected to a new provider. We are so grateful for the continued support of Mercy Health and the Saint Mary’s Foundation over the years,” said Adrienne Goodstal, VP of Community Engagement and Advocacy, Mel Trotter Ministries.

"Serving the most vulnerable in our community is core to our organizational mission and values and has been since our founding more than 126 years ago. That's why Saint Mary's Foundation is honored to provide funding to support a collaboration between Mercy Health and Mel Trotter to offer telehealth services in an effort to expand outreach, improve access, and promote optimal medical care for their clients," said Michelle Rabideau, President, Saint Mary's Foundation. 

Guests at Mel Trotter Ministries can start seeing doctors through telehealth on June 16, 2020. Staff and volunteers at Mel Trotter will assist guests in scheduling their appointments. Appointments can be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will be held in the medical exam rooms.