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| Letter from Our CEO Bobby Watts: The Power of Our Conference
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| The power of our National HCH Conference & Policy Symposium comes not only from the information that is presented, but also from the full spectrum of viewpoints and approaches it presents from clinicians, consumers, outreach workers, administrators, and advocates, all working on an equal footing with a common goal—to improve the health of people living without homes through effective services and through advancing health care and housing as human rights... Read the full letter.
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| It’s Not Too Late: Join Us for HCH2017!
There’s still time to register for our 2017 National Health Care for the Homeless Conference & Policy Symposium! Join the hundreds who have already signed up for HCH2017 in Washington, D.C., from June 21-24 for nearly 90 workshops in homeless health care—including 13 full-day Pre-Conference Institutes and half-day Learning Labs. In addition to featuring a keynote address from nationally renowned MacArthur “Genius” Fellow and health innovator Dr. Jeffrey Brenner, HCH2017 will offer an engaging policy address from Council CEO Bobby Watts. Attendees will also have the chance to tour sites dedicated to homeless health care and services and to help further our shared mission through hill visits. Register now.
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| New Publication: Improving Care for Medically Complex Patients: Medical Respite and Supportive Housing
The Council has partnered with the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) to release a new project profile showcasing collaborative frequent-user initiatives. " Improving Care for Medically Complex Patients: Medical Respite and Supportive Housing" spotlights the efforts of Yakima Neighborhood Health Services (Yakima, WA) and Circle the City (Phoenix, AZ) to meet the needs of vulnerable individuals exiting hospitals by providing vital medical respite care. Their innovative partnerships and care coordination have allowed these communities to demonstrate how medical respite can be an effective bridge to supportive housing. Read this publication or other resources on our Permanent Supportive Housing page.
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| Quick Guide Examines Data Measurement and Utilization in Health Centers and Supportive Housing Providers
Created with the Corporation for Supportive Housing, “ Health Outcomes and Data Measures: A Quick Guide for Health Center and Housing Partnerships,” details how health centers and supportive housing providers are tracking and utilizing data to demonstrate progress with the most medically and socially complex patients. As more health and housing partnerships develop across the country, providers wish to demonstrate the impact of housing on physical health outcomes. With little existing literature in our field, determining which outcomes to track can be a challenge. This guide is designed to help communities identify health conditions that may be positively impacted by stable housing and leverage existing data to show impact with reduced administrative burden. View this resource.
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| Profile Examines Community-Integrated Supportive Housing for Individuals with Disabilities
A new profile from CSH and the Council shines a light on " Community-Based Supportive Housing Serving Persons With Disabilities at Risk of Institutional Care." Long-term services and supports are a critical resource for individuals who have intellectual, developmental, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities. This profile illuminates how creative partnerships in Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C., are demonstrating ways in which health centers, behavioral health providers, and housing providers can work together to serve individuals at risk of institutionalization while supporting community integration. Read the profile.
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| Explore Policy Changes and More in Recent Council Webinars
In the past month, the Council has examined health reform efforts, Summer Solstice celebrations, effective presentations, and more in our webinars. If you’ve missed our recent offerings, you can now view webinar recordings and materials for:
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| Council Welcomes New Technical Assistance Manager
The Council has provided free technical assistance (TA) and training to existing and potential HCH health centers and medical respite programs for more than 20 years. We are pleased to welcome Michael Durham as our new Technical Assistance Manager to helm these efforts. A Council staffer since 2013, Durham is excited to bring his commitment to HCH through the Council’s TA program. If your organization has a need or question related to HCH program administration, clinical care, or other issues, learn more about TA or contact Michael. You may also meet Durham in-person for onsite TA at HCH2017. He succeeds Lori Hopper, whom the Council thanks for her exemplary service.
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| Concerned About Health Care Policy Change? Get Involved!
Last week the U.S. House of Representatives voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act with a bill that would phase out Medicaid expansion and reduce overall consumer protections. That bill, the American Health Care Act (AHCA), is currently awaiting a vote in the Senate, and the time to act is now! Call your Senator at (202) 224-3121 and leave a message telling them that you oppose the AHCA and want them to vote no. Sign up for our Mobilizer and read our archives to learn more ways to get involved, or contact Regina Reed, National Health Policy Organizer, with questions or comments.
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| Council Recognizes Mental Health Month
In May, please join us in honoring Mental Health Month. For homeless health care providers, it is important to understand how homelessness and trauma are intricately linked, and the role that trauma plays in mental health and mental illness. Trauma impacts one’s health by increasing the risk of neurological, biological, psychological, and social difficulties. Given the likelihood of trauma among people experiencing homelessness, understanding trauma and its impact is crucial to providing quality care and integrated behavioral health services. View important Council resources—including our 4-part webinar series on Trauma-Informed Care—or explore further resources at Mental Health America.
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| Thank You for Your Generosity
The Council is grateful to the charitable donors who made our participation in The Big Payback a success. Last week, the Council took part in The Big Payback, a day of giving and awareness hosted by the Community Foundation of Middle TN. With your gracious support, we raised a significant sum to further our work. Thank you to everyone who gave or told others about the event: your generosity helps make our work to end homelessness possible.
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