Canary Islands Launches 'Health Bridges' Pilot to Provide Mental Health Care to Homeless Population

The Canary Islands government and the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council are launching a new initiative to tackle a critical issue: nearly 270 people living on the streets of the capital are struggling with diagnosed or suspected mental health conditions.

To bridge the gap in care, the Ministry of Health has partnered with the organization Doctors of the World to launch a pilot program called "Health Bridges." Starting next week, the program aims to remove the bureaucratic hurdles that have long prevented this vulnerable group from accessing standard medical services. A mobile team of psychologists, nurses, and volunteers will head out to reach between 60 and 70 people living in isolated areas, such as ravines and coastal spots.

This approach, which has already proven successful in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, focuses on harm reduction and providing consistent, hands-on support. Adasat Goya of the Canary Islands Health Service and Mental Health Director Fernando Gómez-Pamo hope to eventually expand this model to other municipalities across the islands. The strategy includes providing immediate medical care, connecting individuals with social services, and establishing a commission to track the program's progress.

Beatriz Rodríguez, president of Doctors of the World, emphasized that the program is designed to remove the "invisible" barriers these individuals face. She highlighted the need for a specialized approach, particularly for homeless women, who are at a higher risk of stigma and gender-based violence. By moving away from a punitive approach and focusing on safe, comprehensive care, the regional government is stepping in to ensure that everyone has fair access to mental health support.