In the U.S., stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and death. When a stroke occurs, early treatment is essential and every minute counts. To address this critical issue, providers with the UF College of Medicine, UF Health Shands Hospital and local emergency medical services are introducing specialized ambulances called Mobile Stroke Treatment Units across the state.

These ambulances deliver immediate stroke care to patients, helping to save time, save lives and improve outcomes. They are equipped with a portable diagnostic CT scanner, clot-busting drugs, blood pressure-lowering medications and telemedicine equipment, and each unit is staffed by a team of stroke-trained health professionals, including a neurologist specializing in stroke care who is available via telehealth.

UF Health launched the first Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit in Gainesville in June. Additional units will be deployed throughout Florida, including in The Villages, Jacksonville and Palm Beach County, joining 20 such mobile stroke programs nationwide.

“We know that treating stroke within 60 minutes — within that golden hour of care — not only saves lives, but also brings people back to their community and their families,” said Anna Khanna, MD, medical director of the UF Health Shands Comprehensive Stroke Center and an assistant professor of neurology in the College of Medicine.

In the year since the Street Psychiatry Program began serving Gainesville, more than 10 patients have secured housing after receiving mental health treatment, Bruijnzeel said.

“Many individuals have lost housing and ended up in the streets due to the consequences of long-term, poorly managed complex mental illness,” said Megan Single, MD, an alumna of the UF psychiatry residency program and one of the first Street Psychiatry Program rotation participants. “These individuals often lose their support systems, have difficulty holding a job, lack insurance and have limited finances, and thus miss out on consistent proper medical care. Rotating as a resident on street psychiatry has provided the chance to quite literally meet the patients where they are and provide care exactly where it’s needed.”

Starting with the 2023-24 school year, the UF College of Medicine and UF Health launched a partnership with Project SEARCH, a program providing internship opportunities and on-the-job training for neurodivergent high school students.

Project SEARCH has numerous sites worldwide focused on equipping students with the skills they need to gain independence, competitive employment and successful careers after graduation. At UF, the program aims to foster awareness, acceptance and belief in the abilities of neurodivergent individuals.

The first cohort includes eight students from Alachua County Public Schools who rotate through three 10-week internships at UF Health following typical school day hours. Additionally, the students receive education, support and career counseling from Alachua County Public Schools program instructors. Supervisors from other community partners include the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida, the Florida Department of Education Vocational Rehabilitation division, the UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Ultimately, program graduates may go on to be hired at UF Health or other competitive employers in Alachua County.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to highlight the value of neurodivergent individuals in the community and workplace by embracing their unique perspectives, skills and talents,” said Colleen Koch, MD, MS, MBA, dean of the UF College of Medicine. “Even more importantly, we look forward to helping these capable students believe in themselves and achieve their dreams.”