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Mobile medical clinics bring health care directly to homeless veterans in 25 cities

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Mobile medical clinics bring health care directly to homeless veterans in 25 cities

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More than 35,000 veterans in America are homeless — and health care is not always their top priority. 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) aims to bridge that gap by bringing medical care to homeless vets.

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“The mobile medical unit is a physical truck or van that goes out into the community setting and brings … health care services, those wraparound resources, directly to veterans in the community setting to reduce the barrier of transportation, which is a very significant barrier for this population,” Dr. Jillian Weber, national program manager for Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams in Nevada, told Fox News.

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Morgan Spicer, who served in the Air Force before retiring in 1990, is currently staying at the Salvation Army shelter in Las Vegas. 

When he needs to get a checkup at the clinic, Spicer said it’s typically been a day-long affair.

Morgan Spicer, who retired from the Air Force in 1990, is currently staying at the Salvation Army. He is pictured here receiving medical care in a mobile unit. (Sunny Tsai)

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“If you have an appointment at the hospital, you have to take the Salvation Army bus up there, you have to go at 7:30 am, and then you either have to take a civilian bus back or wait until 1 in the afternoon until he picks you up,” Spicer told Fox News.

But now, the VA’s mobile medical team brings the clinic directly to its patients.

“I just had to walk out the front door,” Spicer said.

“It’s literally a clinic on wheels.”

Elizabeth Jarman, a coordinator for VA Southern Nevada Health Care, told Fox News how the initiative works.

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“We go out to one of our community shelters or our transitional housing sites, and we are usually there from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” she said.

A man gets his temperature checked

Morgan Spicer, a homeless veteran, has found health care to be much easier with the mobile medical units. “I just had to walk out the front door,” said Spicer, pictured here.  (Sunny Tsai)

“We’re able to see veterans all day long, and then drive [the bus] back to the hospital. So, veterans are able to access primary care on it.”

Jarman added, “It’s everything that you would do in a regular primary care clinic. It’s literally a clinic on wheels.”

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The portable clinics are available in 25 cities across the nation, including Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago and Seattle.

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“We know from evidence that veterans experiencing homelessness have unmet health care needs, and they face numerous barriers and challenges to not only accessing medical services and resources, but also engaging in long-term care,” Weber noted.

Four women stand and sit around a table

The mobile medical unit team in Las Vegas is pictured outside the unit. (Sunny Tsai)

The mobile units are just one way the VA is trying to fight veteran homelessness — by providing them first with housing and then with health care and other support, according to the team. 

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To learn more, or to reach out, anyone can check out details at va.gov/homeless/nationalcallcenter/asp.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

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More people sent to hospital as mushroom-infused 'microdosing' chocolate faces ongoing FDA probe

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More people sent to hospital as mushroom-infused 'microdosing' chocolate faces ongoing FDA probe

“Microdosing” chocolate bars designed to give consumers “peace of mind” have sent more and more people to hospitals, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently reported.

The FDA published an initial advisory message about Diamond Shruumz, a company that produces “microdosing” chocolate bars and gummies, on June 7. At the time, six people who had consumed the products were hospitalized.

The FDA now reports that at least 10 people have been hospitalized after eating the products. An additional two people sought medical care but were not hospitalized.

“Do not eat, sell, or serve Diamond Shruumz-Brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars,” the FDA’s site warns.

MUSHROOM-INFUSED ‘MICRODOSING’ CHOCOLATE BARS ARE SENDING PEOPLE TO THE HOSPITAL, PROMPTING INVESTIGATION: FDA

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At least 10 people have been hospitalized after consuming Diamond Shruumz products, the FDA said. (FDA | iStock)

“[The] FDA is working to determine the cause of these illnesses and is considering the appropriate next steps,” the statement added. “More information will be provided as it becomes available.”

The products are distributed nationally. The FDA’s website said hospitalizations were reported in Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. Four hospitalizations were recorded in Arizona, and two were reported in Indiana.

The consumers who ate the “microdosing” products experienced “severe” symptoms, officials reported.

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Several people have suffered a variety of medical symptoms from the chocolates, including nausea. (iStock)

“People who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz-brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars reported a variety of severe symptoms including seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting,” the FDA says. 

“Microdosing” is when drug users take a minuscule amount of hallucinogenic drugs to increase creativity and boost their mood without having a psychedelic trip. Even though the Diamond Shruumz products are marketed as “microdosing,” the company reports that its products have no psilocybin in them.

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The FDA is warning consumers against Diamond Shruumz chocolate bars. (FDA / iStock)

“There is no presence of psilocybin, amanita or any scheduled drugs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience,” Diamond Shruumz’s website says. “Rest assured, our treats are not only free from psychedelic substances but our carefully crafted ingredients still offer an experience.”

“This allows you to indulge in a uniquely crafted blend designed for your pleasure and peace of mind.”

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The chocolate bars are marketed to boost mood and creativity. (iStock)

The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating the products. Fox News Digital reached out to Diamond Shruumz for comment but did not hear back.

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