Street-Level Solutions: Aequitas Health Equity Initiative in Action

University of South Dakota medical students launched a street medicine clinic serving Rapid City's unhoused population after key community resources closed, providing healthcare to 20-30 patients bi-weekly at Memorial Park.

Molly Lien (1), Amanda Rook (1), Lauren Schild (1)

(1) University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine                

This year, the Aequitas Honor Society at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine launched a new initiative aimed at addressing health inequities in Rapid City, South Dakota. This area has a large unhoused population with a disproportionate effect on Native American and other minority groups. After the closure of a key community organization and student-led clinic, many were left without access to essential health resources. Recognizing this urgent need, our chapter applied for and received a generous grant to establish the foundation for a sustainable, student-led outreach program. This outreach program operates as a small satellite team of Midwest Street Medicine, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving unhoused individuals across South Dakota. The team, consisting of student and physician volunteers, cares for approximately 20-30 patients per clinic day, which occurs every other Friday at Memorial Park.

Several factors influence the number of people experiencing homelessness in Rapid City. In recent years, increases in the cost of land and housing paired with the influx of affluent buyers in the area have outpaced the changes in gross income for many people and families. A severe housing shortage, with extremely low vacancy rates and rent increases far exceeding wage growth, has made stable housing unattainable for many residents. Compounding this issue are long waitlists for rental assistance and a scarcity of affordable units. The recent closure of key shelters and support centers, like the Hope Center, has further reduced safety net options. Additionally, mental health and substance use disorders, combined with inadequate access to behavioral health services, continue to drive chronic homelessness. Native American individuals are disproportionately impacted, making up a significant majority of the city’s population experiencing homelessness. While increased outreach efforts have improved identification and care coordination, the overall demand for housing and supportive services continues to outpace available resources.

With the support of the grant, the team was able to purchase critical outreach supplies, including a collapsible table and stool, blood pressure cuffs, glucometers, basic pain medications and first aid materials. These tools have enabled the clinic to create a more established, consistent presence within the community, offering a recognizable and reliable station where individuals can receive vital sign checks and healthcare support. Outreach efforts include “street rounds”, where volunteers are able to provide additional services to people who may not yet know about the clinic. Various bandaging supplies were also purchased to provide wound care, which accounts for nearly half of the care provided by the clinic. These tools have allowed students and faculty to begin providing basic health screenings and education directly to the community, helping to rebuild trust and re-establish connections with local healthcare providers.

This initiative is more than a one-time health service. It represents an ongoing, sustainable effort that can be passed down to future classes, ensuring that healthcare outreach in Rapid City not only continues, but grows. By addressing health disparities through accessible, student-driven care, the Aequitas Honor Society is helping to lay the foundation for long-term equitable change. Midwest Street Medicine is grateful for the donations and deeply appreciates the partnership that strengthens and expands care for this underserved population.