Health Care for the Homeless Program
The HCH program emphasizes a multi-disciplinary approach to delivering
care to homeless persons, combining aggressive street outreach with
integrated systems of primary care, mental health and substance abuse
services, case management, and client advocacy. Emphasis is placed
on coordinating efforts with other community health providers and social
service agencies.
HCH grantees recognize the complex needs of homeless people and strive
to provide a coordinated, comprehensive approach to the care they provide
their homeless clients, and in such a way that welcomes them as patients.
Specifically, HCH programs:
- Provide primary care and substance abuse services at locations accessible
to homeless people;
- Provide around-the-clock access to emergency health services;
- Refer homeless persons for necessary hospital services;
- Refer homeless persons for needed mental health services unless
these services are provided directly;
- provide outreach services to inform homeless individuals of the
availability of services; and
- Aid homeless individuals in establishing eligibility for housing
assistance and services under entitlement programs.
Related Primary Care References
Last revised
05/10/2001
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