New program builds on the successful operation of programs in other nearby cities, with more than 50 members permanently housed since inception
ORANGE, Calif. (April 22, 2026) — CalOptima Health, in partnership with AltaMed Health Services and the City of Santa Ana, launched a Street Medicine Program to serve people experiencing homelessness, delivering comprehensive health care via a mobile doctor’s office and providing a path to permanent housing. According to the City’s point-in-time count in 2025, approximately 500 people are unsheltered in Santa Ana, and many of them may benefit from the new program.
Santa Ana is the fourth city in Orange County to offer the CalOptima Health Street Medicine Program, which combines health and social services to address the unique needs of the vulnerable unhoused population. The program engages people experiencing homelessness where they are and on their terms, to reduce barriers to care and increase access to medical and social services. The program relies on collaboration with city, county and community organizations with the ultimate goal of helping individuals achieve better health outcomes and gain secure housing.
“I am proud to help bring the Street Medicine Program to the City of Santa Ana, my hometown, and the community I have had the privilege of serving for many years,” said Vicente Sarmiento, who represents Santa Ana on the Board of Supervisors and serves as Chair of the CalOptima Health Board of Directors. “This program will expand access to medical care for people experiencing homelessness, while also connecting them to housing and supportive services, all of which are critical to helping them transition off the streets. Paired with the $11 million the CalOptima Health Board has invested in capital housing projects in Santa Ana, this effort creates real pathways for individuals to move toward stability and long-term housing and reduce the likelihood of individuals returning to the streets.”
“Santa Ana leads Orange County in addressing homelessness, and we are proud to partner with CalOptima Health and AltaMed on the next stage of this effort through the Street Medicine Program,” said Mayor Valerie Amezcua. “By bringing care directly to our unhoused neighbors, we’re not only addressing urgent health needs, but also building trust, restoring dignity and creating pathways to long-term stability. This is how we move forward together — with practical solutions that help people get off the street and improve quality of life across our entire city.”
“AltaMed is proud to partner with CalOptima Health for the Street Medicine Program to bring access to vital health services to vulnerable Santa Ana community members,” said Esiquio Casillas, M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical and Operations Officer, AltaMed Health Services. “As a trusted community health center, AltaMed has been committed to reducing health disparities across Southern California for more than five decades.”
CalOptima Health’s Street Medicine Program has demonstrated significant impact in serving more than 1,100 members since its inception. Members are better connected to a medical home, see their primary care provider regularly and are enrolled in supportive services that guide them to housing, according to CalOptima Health data.
Team members of CalOptima Health’s Street Medicine Program in Santa Ana participate in a press conference to announce the program, in partnership with AltaMed Health Services and the City of Santa Ana.
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 850,000 members with a network of 9,500 primary care doctors and specialists and 42 acute and rehab hospitals. Visit www.caloptima.org.
About AltaMed Health Services
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, we have 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 80 accredited health centers and service facilities, we remain committed and ready to help you grow healthy at any age. AltaMed is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work®, a global authority on workplace culture and the most definitive “employer-of-choice” recognition. The results are based entirely on feedback from current employees about their experience working at AltaMed and reflect a culture rooted in trust, respect and a shared commitment to a workplace that supports employees in delivering high-quality, compassionate care. Visit www.altamed.org.
About Santa Ana
Santa Ana is downtown for the world-famous Orange County, California. It is the County Seat, headquarters to national corporations including a Fortune 500 company, and home to a vibrant evening scene and arts community. Over 1,700 City of Santa Ana employees work hard every day to deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community, ensuring public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents. Learn more at www.santa-ana.org.