The Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida Health Care for the Homeless Project is organized to improve the health status of people who are homeless through increased access to and availability of comprehensive health care services. The program collaborates with existing homeless providers in Lee County to help avoid duplication of services. Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida–HCH provides care at two sites: Salvation Army, Downtown Fort Myers Medical and Dental Center. Outreach locations include Community Cooperative Ministries Soup Kitchen, Chapel by the Sea on Fort Myers Beach, All Soul’s Episcopal Church in North Fort Myers, Café of Life, Vineyard Community Church, First Baptist Church, and Rescue Mission in downtown Fort Myers.

Services

Comprehensive primary care is available 5 days a week, including several evenings. Internal referrals for dental, women’s health services, and pediatrics are located in close proximity to each site. Limited radiological services, pharmaceuticals, and specialty referrals are available. Partnering agencies provide mental health and substance abuse services. Clinical staff includes two ARNPs, one medical assistant, one lay health educator, and an outreach worker. After-hours care and hospital services are provided by on-call providers at Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida. Project Description: Services 24 hour emergency on-call, Asthma treatment, 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, Electronic Medical Records, Family Planning, Flu Vaccinations, Health/Nutritional Education, HIV/AIDS screening/education, Immunizations, Labs, Medical Respite, Medication Prescribing, OB/GYN, Outreach, Pediatrics, Pharmacy, Physical Exams, Primary Health Care, Referrals for Specialty Care, SOAR services, STD Testing, Street Outreach, TB screening/education, Well Child Check-ups, and X-rays.

Linkages

Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida has linkages with the Florida Department of Health in Lee County, Salvation Army, SalusCare, Lee County Coalition for the Homeless, Florida Gulf Coast University-Department of Social Services, and Lee County Housing Authority.

Statistics

Estimated homeless population: 6500

Patients served: 3600