Blog

Community Support for Street Medicine Detroit!

It has been a busy but exciting few months here at Street Medicine Detroit! 

In January, SMD was selected as winner of the city-wide Detroit SOUP, a "micro granting" dinner that celebrates and supports community projects benefitting the residents of Detroit. Essentially, 4 different presenters (e.g. entrepreneurs, artists, organizations) come to share their idea, and attendees vote for the project they think has the best plan of execution and potential for community impact. At the end of the night, the presentation that receives the most votes gets the money raised at the door to carry out their project. 

John-Michael and myself presented on behalf of Street Medicine Detroit and raised almost $2,000 from the event. The money from Detroit SOUP has helped SMD purchase equipment and medication to serve our growing pediatric population, as well as replenishing our stores of winter weather materials (e.g. coats, hats, gloves, socks) to serve all patients. 

Andrew Darmahkasih and John-Michael Guest presenting on behalf of Street Medicine Detroit at the January Detroit SOUP.

Andrew Darmahkasih and John-Michael Guest presenting on behalf of Street Medicine Detroit at the January Detroit SOUP.

Street Medicine Detroit was also recently recognized by the Detroit Pistons as a Game Changer honoree. This award is given to individuals and organizations who are making a positive impact in the Detroit community. Four representatives from Street Medicine Detroit were recognized during the pre-game ceremonies before the Pistons game on Friday, March 18 for the work we do to benefit the homeless community of Detroit. We were also invited to sit courtside during the game, and Belle Tire, a Detroit Pistons sponsor, has committed $1,000 towards the ongoing work we do to benefit the homeless community in Detroit.

Finally, Street Medicine Detroit held our 2nd annual 5k Street Run fundraiser this past weekend with the Robert R. Frank Student Run Free Clinic. Despite the chilly weather, almost 150 people registered to participate in the event. Through the generous support of our sponsors and participants, SMD and SRFC raised almost $3,000 from the fundraiser, money which will directly support the day-to-day operations of these two organizations and ensure that we can continue the work that we do.

We feel a deep gratitude to the Detroit community and are overwhelmed by the honor and support we have received for our work. While Street Medicine Detroit never began its operation to draw attention to ourselves, we are grateful for community partners who believe in us and recognize that what we do as an organization is important. We are hoping that any award or recognition we receive for our work would serve to bring awareness to the large unmet medical needs of those experiencing homelessness in the city of Detroit and inspire others to take action (in large or small ways) to meet those needs.

Andrew Darmahkasih MSII, SMD Communications Director