“La Movil” provides integrated harm reduction services through a multidisciplinary team using a biopsychosocial approach, addressing both health and social needs. As part of the Mobile Health Innovation Collaborative (MHIC), the program evaluated its services over 18 months, resulting in quality improvements and shareable lessons. From January 2022 to October 2023, “La Movil” served 279 participants across 8 municipalities, with rates of IV drug use, mental health issues, homelessness, and incarceration significantly higher than the general population. Health screenings in 2023 showed a $6:$1 return on investment, saving 29 life years, preventing 259 emergency room visits, and saving $2.4 million in healthcare costs. Lessons learned have improved documentation, data sharing, and integrative care practices. The program shows how applying harm reduction principles can reduce stigma, improve access to care, and address the social determinants of health for high-risk populations in Puerto Rico.
Elisa Pujals, MD MPH, Medical Provider, Intercambios PR; Luis Roman Badenas, PsyD, Mental Health Provider, Intercambios PR; Jose Lozada, RN, Nurse Provider, Intercambios PR