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New Brief Explores the Crucial Need for Comprehensive COVID-19 Testing and Services For People Without Homes
The collective understanding of COVID-19 is changing rapidly. Recent research suggests that using only symptom screening to isolate people who are potentially infected could overlook large numbers of asymptomatic COVID-19-infected individuals.
Our latest issue brief calls on public health authorities and emergency response systems in every community to conduct more comprehensive testing among people experiencing homelessness, and to ensure appropriate follow-up accommodations and supports.
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New Resource Explores Using Community Information Exchanges to Coordinate Care for People Without Homes
Building and sustaining partnerships that address social determinants of health is crucial when providing care for people experiencing homelessness. Ensuring coordinated care is often challenging for partner organizations. Community Information Exchanges (CIEs) build on the work of the health care system’s Health Information Exchanges and take the next step towards integrating data with other service organizations such as hospitals, health centers, housing providers, and additional community resources.
This publication highlights what CIEs are, how they can be used, and the benefits of CIEs during health care crises like COVID-19.
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Join Us for Friday's COVID Coffee Chat: Testing for COVID-19 in Homeless SheltersFriday, May 1 | 12-1 p.m. CT
As the COVID-19 pandemic response continues to evolve, new information is emerging as communities conduct broader testing in congregate homeless shelters. Of particular interest is the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data illustrating high proportions of positive test results upon universal testing in some shelters.
Join our discussion featuring CDC experts and clinical researchers from communities that have been involved in testing people in shelters, learn about these initiatives, and bring your questions about furthering testing in your community.
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Upcoming CSH Webinar: "Better Together: Health and HMIS Data, Best Practices and Examples from the Field"Monday, May 4 | 2-3 p.m. CT
In collaboration with HUD and the National Human Services Data Consortium, the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) and the National HCH Council will present a webinar on data sharing and integration between health care and homeless services.
This HRSA-supported project will educate attendees on work happening in their communities to bridge homeless services and health system data collection and sharing—highlighting key areas like working through privacy rules and overcoming barriers to sharing, systems integration, funding, and incorporating Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) data collection.
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Tuesday's COVID Coffee Chat to Explore Structuring Isolation & Quarantine Sites for People without HomesTuesday, May 5 | 12-1 p.m. CT
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many communities are seeking hotels and motels to use as isolation and quarantine sites for people experiencing homelessness. The County of Alameda, California, has initiated Project Roomkey, consisting of Operation Comfort, isolation housing for symptomatic or COVID-19 infected people experiencing homelessness, and Operation Safer Ground, safe housing for high-risk people experiencing homelessness.
In this webinar, presenters from Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless program will review their Project Roomkey Emergency Hotel Shelter Handbook and discuss the planning, implementation, and operations of Operation Comfort and Operation Safer Ground.
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COVID-19 Resources from the Field: New Symptoms, Infection Prevalence Data, & More
The CDC recently updated its list of symptoms for COVID-19, adding more symptoms to those already known—fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Reportedly appearing within 2-14 days, these symptoms can include:
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Additionally, new research from the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report examines COVID-19 infection prevalence in homeless shelters. Drawing on test results from 1,192 residents and 313 staff members in 19 homeless shelters, the study's findings suggest that male and African-American patients are being disporportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Additionally, you can find updated guidance from organizations across the country in our continuously updated COVID-19 Resources.
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New Piece in Annals of Family Medicine Explores "Housing as Health Care During and After the COVID-19 Crisis"
The COVID-19 pandemic is vividly illustrating that housing is health care. Americans without homes are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, and an outbreak among homeless populations is further threatening already burdened health care systems. A new publication in the Annals of Family Medicine examines this situation, describing strategies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 for homeless populations and for the health care system.
Co-authored by the Council's Senior Director of Policy Dr. Barbara DiPietro, this article highlights medical respite care and larger structural changes needed to address COVID-19.
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Council in Media Spotlight: Medical Respite and COVID-19 & More
As the HCH community responds to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, the National HCH Council continues to engage media to raise awareness of the deadly effects of the pandemic on people without homes. Recent stories drawing on Council expertise include:
The Council is always available to inform coverage of homelessness and health care. Find more recent coverage on our website or contact us for more information.
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| April 29, 2020 | Volume 2, Issue 18 | Archives
Copyright © 2020 National Health Care for the Homeless Council
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