Proposed Standards for Medical Respite Care
A task force of the Respite Care Providers’ Network is accepting comments on proposed minimum standards for medical respite programs. Please review the proposed standards and public comment form. The deadline to submit comments is September 30, 2014. 

#28: Pennsylvania Says Yes to Medicaid 
Pennsylvania is the 28th state (including DC) to expand Medicaid to nearly all residents earning at or below 138% Federal Poverty Level Guidelines (FPL). With five HCH projects and nearly 21,000 homeless patients, this is especially good news to ensure better access to comprehensive health care and increased financial stability. Read more.

Are You Prepared?
September is National Preparedness Month. People experiencing homelessness are at increased risk during disasters. Learn from efforts in Florida to meet the disaster related needs of homeless populations in the new issue brief, Integrating Homeless Service Providers and Clients in Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. 

September Is Pain Awareness Month
In recognition of Pain Awareness Month, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council invites you to review our chronic pain clinical resources regarding patients who are homeless, including adapted clinical guidelines and results from a survey of homeless health care clinicians. Chronic pain prevalence ranges from 19-60% in individuals who are homeless. Read more.

What is the Social Impact of Your Health Center?
A new tool developed by the Low Income Investment Fund calculates the value of your Health Center to your Community. The Social Impact Calculator also measures the social value of affordable housing, early care and education, K-12 education, and equitable transit-oriented development.

Thrive: Self-Care and Culture Online Course
Helping professionals are at risk for issues that mirror those of traumatized clients. Exposure to trauma and a stressful work environment can have dangerous effects on physical and emotional health. Developed by ColdSpring Center's Matt Bennett, Thrive addresses the critical elements of health that enhance productivity and quality of work. One person per organization may attend. Read more and register.

Member Spotlight: Mercy Care Flash Mob
On August 15 at lunchtime, Council member organization Mercy Care staged a flash mob in Atlanta's downtown Woodruff Park. The group carried signs with messages such as, "Access to Care for All" and "Expand Medicaid Now." Enjoy the video production of the Mercy Care staff and consumers dancing and marching for health care for all. 

National Consumer Advocate Position Available
Do you have a passion for community organizing, advocacy, and leadership? The National Health Care for the Homeless Council is seeking applications for the position of National Consumer Advocate. This position will be based at the Baltimore, Maryland HCH project and be primarily responsible for advancing consumer participation in HCH projects nationally. 

Inside the Council Website
Have you seen the Council's Adapted Clinical Guidelines? Standard clinical practice guidelines often fail to address the special challenges faced by homeless patients that may limit their ability to adhere to a plan of care. To fill this gap, the HCH Clinicians’ Network has developed a series of adapted clinical guidelines, including cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, opiod use disorder, and reproductive health, among others.