Phoenix's Street Medicine Ordinance Will Hinder Healthcare Access

Phoenix, Arizona – MCMS is deeply concerned about the Phoenix City Council’s recent 8-1 decision to approve a new ordinance restricting street medicine, including banning needle exchange programs and limiting medical care provided to individuals experiencing homelessness in city parks. While we share the City’s goal of maintaining safe public spaces, this policy risks causing significant and unintended harm to public health, patients, and the broader healthcare system. The ordinance is scheduled to take effect on March 30, 2026. 

 

Physicians, health systems, and community providers have made clear that preventive and harm-reduction services, such as health screenings, wound care, referrals, and syringe exchange, save lives and reduce emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and long-term healthcare costs. By requiring permits for routine medical outreach and criminalizing certain evidence-based public health interventions, the ordinance may deter providers and volunteers from offering essential care to some of Phoenix’s most vulnerable residents.

 

MCMS is particularly concerned that vague language and the threat of criminal penalties could disrupt trusted, consistent care relationships and push already strained patients into crisis care settings, further burdening emergency departments and public safety resources. Restricting access to care does not improve community safety it shifts costs, worsens health outcomes, and undermines coordinated public health efforts.

 

MCMS stands alongside our partner Circle the City, Street Medicine programs, Terros Health, Arizona Public Health, and many other community partners in urging Phoenix leaders to continue to work collaboratively with physicians, public health experts, community organizations, and residents during the implementation delay to revise this ordinance in a way that protects public safety while preserving access to lifesaving, evidence-based care for unhoused children, elders, women, families, and men across our community. 

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Read more at AZCentral by clicking here. 

 

What You Can Do:

1. Contact Mayor and City Council | City of Phoenix to express your concerns about the ordinance and its potential impact on public health and patient care.

2. Advocate for collaboration between city leaders, physicians, and community organizations to ensure safe, evidence-based care for individuals experiencing homelessness.

3. Share your expertise on the importance of preventive care, harm reduction, and street medicine programs in improving health outcomes and reducing hospitalizations.

 

Your Voice Matters

Help ensure that lifesaving care is accessible to all members of our community and that public health policies prioritize both safety and compassion.

 

Thank you for standing with MCMS and supporting patients who rely on street medicine and community-based care.

 

Sample Message You Can Send:

“Dear [Council Member Name],

 

As a medical professional and member of the Maricopa County Medical Society, I am deeply concerned about the recently approved ordinance restricting street medicine in Phoenix parks, including bans on needle exchange programs and limitations on providing medical care to individuals experiencing homelessness.

 

These programs provide lifesaving preventive care, harm-reduction services, and continuity of care for some of our city’s most vulnerable residents. Restricting access will likely increase emergency room visits, strain public health resources, and jeopardize patient safety.

 

I urge you to work collaboratively with physicians, public health experts, and community organizations to revise this ordinance so that it protects public safety while ensuring that medically appropriate and evidence-based care remains accessible to those who need it most.

 

Thank you for your attention to this critical public health matter.”

 

About MCMS:

MCMS is Arizona oldest and most esteemed medical association. Since 1892, MCMS has remained steadfast and committed to supporting physicians across the county and state. MCMS continues to help forge connections between physicians, dignitaries, community leaders, and businesses through partnerships.

Maricopa County Medical Society: A strong, collective physician voice.

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Media Contact:

​Edward Araujo, Director of Marketing & Communications for the Maricopa County Medical Society (MCMS), (602) 417-2303 or email at earaujo@mcmsonline.com.