Saint Agnes Medical Mission at Home event takes care outside hospital walls

The sun had yet to rise but already the line of people waiting for the Baltimore Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic and Resource Fair to open its doors stretched around the building. Ascension’s Saint Agnes Healthcare in Baltimore partnered with the United Way of Central Maryland, the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and others to provide free dental services to members of the community in need for its first Medical Mission at Home event.

Over two days, the event conducted 715 patient visits for people who were homeless or unstably housed, veterans, and others in the community. Saint Agnes and TouchPoint Support Services contributed 74 volunteers for the event. Dental services performed during the Mission of Mercy event equated to a value of $612,340.

“We know we have to go beyond the hospital doors to really improve health outcomes for community members and those coming into our hospital,” said Olivia Farrow, Director, Community Outreach, Saint Agnes Health Institute.

Saint Agnes providers oversaw medical triage screenings prior to patients receiving services. Patients who were identified as having a need for social determinant support or other conditions requiring referrals to follow-up care were met by care management services associates through the Saint Agnes Health Institute. Dental care, including extractions and cleanings, were provided by students from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Saint Agnes’ food services partner, TouchPoint, provided meals during the event.

“We know that meeting patients where they are, where their needs are, can have a huge impact,” said Ashley Kinder, MD, Director, Comprehensive Care Center.

Photo: Some of the 74 volunteers from Saint Agnes Healthcare at its first Medical Mission at Home event.