The HCH Project has been operated by Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) since 1990 as part of the Contra Costa County Health Services delivery system. The project provides health care services through mobile clinics and through the CCHS integrated ambulatory system of care and the CCHS Departments of Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs. The mobile team is comprised of a medical director, family nurse practitioners, public health nurses and registered nurse, community health worker, financial counselor, mental health specialist, substance abuse counselor and administrative assistant. Homeless patients who receive care on one of the mobile clinics are referred into the CCHS ambulatory care health centers for primary and specialty care, into County mental health and substance abuse services and to Contra Costa Regional Medical Center for emergency, inpatient hospital, outpatient surgeries, laboratory, and radiology. There are currently three ambulat ory care clinics, located throughout the County, and designated specifically for homeless patients to help them transition from the mobile clinic setting into the ambulatory care system. HCH staff members are present at each of these clinics.

Services

Primary health care services provided by the HCH Mobile Team include routine physical assessments, basic treatment of primary health problems, such as minor wounds and skin conditions, respiratory problems, TB, and acute communicable diseases. Referrals are made for follow up treatment of identified health care needs. Substance abuse and mental health services are also provided. The CCHS health care delivery system provides primary and specialty care including emergency department services, inpatient hospital care, outpatient surgeries, mental health and substance abuse services, laboratory, and radiology.

Linkages

Clients referred for follow-up care or specialty services, such as dental care, dermatology, and prenatal care, are referred to the appropriate division within CCHS for continued care after first being attended to by the HCH Team. The HCH Project works closely with other community and public organizations to create linkages along the continuum of care for homeless clients.

Statistics

Estimated homeless population: 25,000+

Patients served: 20,868