Street Medicine Initiative
Through a collaborative effort between Penn State's Kinesiology department and alumni, a new undergraduate course was launched for the spring 2023 semester and offered students an embedded learning experience where they could understand the challenges unhoused individuals face in receiving medical care.
Students in Street Medicine
The course, KINES 414: Interdisciplinary Study of Street Medicine, takes students to Los Angeles to learn about and experience the growing systemic problems faced by unhoused individuals and how the Street Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine, founded by alums Brett and Corinne Feldman, provides direct care for unhoused individuals free of charge.
Read more about the student experience in bridging the gap in healthcare with Street Medicine and the difference this program makes for vulnerable communities.
Students interested in learning more about the Study of Street Medicine course and experience can contact Lori Gravish Hurtack (lag138@psu.edu).
Street Medicine co-founder: Brett Feldman
Brett Feldman graduated from Penn State in 2003 with a degree in kinesiology. His time at Penn State helped to build the foundation on which Street Medicine was built for some of the most vulnerable populations in society. In recognition of his professional accomplishments, Feldman was honored with the Alumni Fellow Award for 2024.
Project Stitches at Penn State
Project Stitches at Penn State® is a community-based knitting and crocheting initiative that supports Street Medicine care by providing handmade items, such as fingerless gloves, beanies, and washcloths—alongside medical services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Created by Penn State students, faculty, and staff, the project connects compassion, service, and student learning beyond traditional clinical settings.
Learn more about Project Stitches at Penn State.
