Healthcare through street medicine | Melissa Dittberner | TEDxSioux Falls
Seeing the Unseen explores the power of human connection in street medicine, where healing begins with trust, compassion, and meeting people where they are. Through firsthand stories, this piece highlights the harsh realities faced by the unhoused, from untreated infections to survival-driven substance use. It challenges misconceptions, shedding light on systemic barriers that keep people trapped in cycles of poverty, addiction, and trauma. From a man seeking a prosthetic leg to a woman using substances out of fear for her safety, these stories reveal the stark realities of life on the streets—and the profound impact of showing up, listening, and providing care where it is needed most. Street medicine isn’t just about medical care—it’s about dignity, advocacy, and providing basic necessities often overlooked. Focusing on real experiences, this work calls for a redefinition of healthcare, urging society to see and acknowledge those who are too often invisible.
Dr. Mo, (Melissa Dittberner), PhD, CPS, PS, LMT, is an award-winning lecturer in the Addiction Counseling and Prevention department at the University of South Dakota. Melissa has a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychology in Education, a master’s in Addiction Studies, and a bachelor’s in Health Sciences. Dr. Mo is an advocacy speaker, prevention specialist, and peer specialist. She is the CEO of Straight Up Care, a telehealth platform for peer specialists. Dr. Mo is the Executive Director of Midwest Street Medicine. She is a co-author of The Alcohol Reset. She conducts research in the areas of college students’ substance use, pedagogy, addiction, trauma, body brokering, tattoos as healing, and harm reduction. Dr. Mo is a person in long-term recovery, and her mission is to empower individuals to learn and navigate their paths to recovery and well-being. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 17:39The Digital Drug : Why Social Media needs Safety labels | Nishtha Jain | TEDxAndoverNOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of technology and mental health which remains an ongoing field of study. Comparisons to drug addiction lack scientific support and may be alienating to some viewers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfIn a world wired for constant connection, what is it costing us to always be online? In this talk, Nishtha Jain unpacks the hidden dangers of social media addiction and how it is hijacking our attention, and changing how we live, connect, and feel. Drawing from personal experiences this talk proposes a revolutionary idea of having the Digital Safety Labels. It's time to pause, reclaim presence, and choose a more mindful relationship with technology. Nishtha Jain is a highly esteemed strategic thought leader and executive with over 15 years of global experience in information technology. She specializes in steering digital technology transformations, developing digital products, and formulating and implementing digital innovation strategies. Nishtha possesses significant expertise across multiple industry sectors, including healthcare technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, with an in-depth understanding of the entire value chain. Her fervent interest lies in harnessing emerging digital technologies, such as AI, to improve patients' healthcare experiences and journeys. In her current position as Head of Innovation & Digital Technology, R&D Quality at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, she spearheads digital and data initiatives from ideation to execution, applying emerging technologies and design principles for transformative outcomes. Her prior experience includes positions at GSK, Biogen, Thomson Reuters, Dr.First, Accenture. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 18:01How Quiet Nudges Can Lead to a Life of Purpose and Impact | Pam Rosener | TEDxPlanoNOTE FROM TED: TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfWe're all looking for clear direction to tell us what's next. But what if the biggest signs come through small whispers? Pam Rosener is the President and Founder of Young Men’s Service League. Pam loves mentoring young men to develop their hearts for service. She also delights in seeing moms deepen their relationships with their sons while growing personally through their leadership roles in YMSL. She’s on a mission to bring the YMSL experience to as many communities as possible to provide YMSL’s unique service, learning and leadership opportunities to young men and their moms across the country and around the world. Currently, there are over 100 chapters in 15 states. Since its inception YMSL members have served over 2 million community service hours. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
