The program is anticipated to launch by the end of the year
ORANGE, Calif. (August 13, 2025) — To serve members experiencing homelessness in Santa Ana, CalOptima Health’s Board of Directors has approved AltaMed Health Services as the provider for the newly expanded Street Medicine Program. Services are expected to begin in December. This builds on the successful programs currently operating in Garden Grove, Costa Mesa and Anaheim, which have now served more than 850 members combined.
Selected through a competitive process, AltaMed will receive a two-year, up to $4.3 million grant to implement CalOptima Health’s specific Street Medicine Program model. This model includes medical and social services via a mobile doctor’s office, peer support, care management, housing navigation and more. Another hallmark of the program is establishing a collaborative partnership between CalOptima Health, AltaMed Health Services and the City of Santa Ana.
“CalOptima Health’s Street Medicine Program is directly tied to our strategic priority of meeting members where they are in the community,” said Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health. “Our unhoused members can now gain access to health care and social services on their terms, so they are more trusting and engaged in their own care. We look forward to AltaMed building the trust of Santa Ana’s unhoused population and helping many realize improved health on their journey to permanent housing.”
Known for serving communities across Southern California with comprehensive medical and dental programs, AltaMed has two existing health centers in Santa Ana that will assist in the coordination of care for members served by the Street Medicine Team.
“AltaMed is proud to expand our community outreach through this new program,” said Cástulo de la Rocha, AltaMed President and CEO. “We share CalOptima Health’s mission in providing access to care and treating all members with dignity and respect. AltaMed has been providing health services in Santa Ana for the past 17 years and is equipped to serve the most vulnerable residents in this community and ensure they can experience the benefits of this impactful program.”
CalOptima Health’s Street Medicine Program is part of a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness, recognizing that housing insecurity directly affects health. Other strategies include awarding grants for housing development, increasing housing services provider capacity and creating a Street Medicine Support Center, a 48-room facility in Garden Grove that will open in 2026.
CalOptima Health and AltaMed Health Services celebrate their new Street Medicine Program partnership at the August 7 Board of Directors meeting. From left, Nicole Garcia, CalOptima Health Director of CalAIM Outreach; Rolando Chavez, AltaMed Manager of Legislative and Advocacy Affairs; Kimberly Lynch, M.D., AltaMed Associate Medical Director of Complex Care; Bella Gonzalez, AltaMed Senior Policy Analyst; and Kelly Bruno-Nelson, DSW, CalOptima Health Executive Director of Medi-Cal/CalAIM.
About CalOptima Health
A county organized health system, CalOptima Health provides quality health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities in Orange County, California. CalOptima Health’s mission is to serve member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. CalOptima Health serves more than 904,000 members with a network of more than 8,800 primary care doctors and specialists and 43 acute and rehab hospitals. To learn more, visit www.caloptima.org.
About AltaMed Health Services Corp.
AltaMed understands that when people receive care that considers their individual health needs and respects their cultural preferences, they grow healthy — and help their families do the same. Since 1969, AltaMed has delivered complete medical services to communities across Southern California. Our team of qualified multicultural and bilingual professionals — from these same communities — is focused on eliminating barriers to primary care services, senior care programs and essential community services. With more than 60 accredited health centers and service facilities, we remain committed and ready to help you grow healthy at any age. To learn more, visit www.AltaMed.org.