Outreach health services for street youth

A voluntary health agency operated a clinic at a drop-in center for street youth. Six hundred nine youths were seen, with an average age of 16 years, 9 months. There were 2,086 diagnoses made during 1,895 visits. Respiratory, dermatologic, and gynecologic problems represented 56% of all diagnoses. Pregnancy tests accounted for 38% of all procedures, 50% of all medications dispensed were either oral antibiotics or decongestants, and 17% of the visits resulted in referrals. This chart review revealed that street youth seen at a drop-in center sought care for common medical problems. Problems related to substance abuse and sexually transmitted diseases were seen much less frequently than anticipated. Elements critical to the success of this clinic included its on-site location, hours of operation when teenagers were using other services, close working relationships between clinic and center staffs, the capability to perform a few simple laboratory procedures, and an on-site pharmacy.