The Family Health Center Health Care for the Homeless program was established in 1987 to ensure access to primary health care and substance abuse services through integrated systems of care for people who are homeless . The HCH program operates on the premises of the Ministry with Community Center which houses the HCH clinic, a drop-in center, an emergency overnight shelter, a soup kitchen, and a food and clothing bank.

Services

The Family Health Center HCH Program provides basic health, diagnostic, preventive, acute or urgent care, and pharmaceutical services. Primary care services are provided by a physician and mid-level providers. HCH also conducts intensive outreach, case management, housing, income, and transportation linkage activities, as well as referrals and funding for radiology, laboratory, and dental services. HCH assesses mental health and substance abuse issues and provides treatment and/or referral when necessary.

24 hour emergency on-call, Asthma treatment, Basic Needs, Behavioral/Mental Health Care Services, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Cancer Screening, Case Management/Social Services, Chronic Bronchitis/Emphysema, Contraceptives (issued w/counseling), Dental/oral Care, Diabetes Testing/Care, Documenting Disability Services, Domestic Violence services, Electronic Medical Records, Family Planning, Financial counseling, Flu Vaccinations, Health/Nutritional Education, Immunizations, Labs, Medication Prescribing, Mental Health Counseling, OB/GYN, Outreach, Pediatrics, Pharmacy, Physical Exams, Primary Health Care, Referrals for Specialty Care, SOAR services, STD Testing, Substance Abuse Treatment, TB screening/education, Tobacco cessation, Urgent Care, Well Child Check-ups

Linkages

HCH has referral arrangements with Borgess Medical Center, Bronson Methodist Hospital, a number of specialty care providers in the area, and Central Assessment Screening Services for substance abuse counseling. Other linkages include surrounding shelters and the Health Disparities Collaborative sponsored by HRSA.

Statistics

Estimated homeless population: 1800

Patients served: 36000