On behalf of the Council, subject matter experts Terri LaCoursiere Zucchero and Pooja Bhalla have produced a new case study in homelessness for the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI) Open School. “A Downward Spiral” tells the story of John, a man experiencing homelessness who lost his job, and with it, a healthy life with his family. A fictional composite of actual Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) patients, John’s tale challenges stereotypes to illustrate the barriers people without homes face in accessing health care. In the past year, the Council, Zucchero, and Bhalla have partnered with IHI to develop educational resources on people experiencing homelessness and the HCH model of care. Read and review the case study.

Council Comments on CMS Proposed Hospital Discharge Regulations

The Council has submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on new proposed hospital discharge regulations. The Council suggests a number of steps that should be taken during the critical period of hospitalization to ensure that patients are not discharged into homelessness. Among other recommendations, our comments emphasize the utility of medical respite care for those who might be inappropriately retained in a hospital or discharged into homelessness. Read the Council’s full comments to CMS.

Do you know an exemplary clinician who demonstrates vision and creativity while advancing the goals of ending and preventing homelessness? If so, consider nominating the provider for the Karen Rotondo Award for Outstanding Service. The annual award honors the memory of the “Founding Mother” of the HCH Clinicians’ Network, and the Council will present it to a worthy clinician at its 2016 Conference & Policy Symposium. Submit a nomination by February 5th.

Council Offering Reimbursement for Motivational Interviewing Course

The Council is collaborating with Coldspring Center to offer an exclusive educational opportunity to HCH grantees. The Council will provide 30 reimbursements—up to two per organization—on a first come, first served basis to individuals who complete Coldspring’s Motivational Interviewing online course. The training supplies a critical foundation of best practices for providers seeking to help clients strengthen their motivation to achieve their goals, and Coldspring partners with the National Association of Social Workers – Colorado Chapter to offer eight CEC’s for the training’s successful completion. Participants can enroll in the course at a discounted rate, and those who complete it within 60 days will receive full reimbursement from the Council. Read more information about this opportunity.

On December 21st, thousands of Americans gathered to recognize Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day. In over 80 remembrances in at least 33 states and the District of Columbia, participants honored those who died without stable housing last year, reflecting on the shocking inhumanity of homelessness and calling for meaningful policy changes to ensure that no more lives are lived or lost in homelessness. Read the Council’s Statement and Advocacy Agenda for Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.

Founded in 1968, Outside In has won considerable recognition for its services for youth without homes. The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness recently featured the health center, which has partnered with other agencies to provide a comprehensive continuum of care for youth experiencing homelessness in Portland, Oregon—an initiative that serves approximately 1,000 Portlanders aged 15-23 annually. These services have won national accolades: recently, Vice President Joe Biden recognized Celia Luce, an Outside In Peer Mentor, as a Champion of Change for her efforts to build bridges between youth without homes and law enforcement. The Council recognizes Luce and our Organizational Member Outside In for their excellent work.