The Outreach Project of Primary Health Care, Inc. is a blend of a McKinney-funded project, including three maternal/child-funded programs serving pregnant and parenting families. TOP also works closely with PATH, CAP, HUD and other community-based mental health and housing programs.

In 2005, TOP completed a food assistance campaign for the State of Iowa through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food Assistance Program. Additionally, this year, the Program Manager for the Advocacy Team earned public recognition from both the Mayor and the City Manager. She was recognized for leading the river campers during the flood season, and helping to relocate some of the most severely homeless individuals in the area.

The Outreach Project staff maintain outreach clinics in missions, shleters, and multi-service agencies. Project staff conduct outreach visits around or near bridges and in abandoned buildings where individuals who are homeless congregate. Outreach staff have also conducted outreach services in collaboration with the staff from the U.S. Social Security Administration whereby the PHC Advocacy team were recognized for Outstanding public service in partnership with SSA.

PHC’s Homeless Support Services program serves as the Centralized Intake for Polk County, making it the “front door” for all homeless programs and services in Polk County.

In addition to completing intakes with anyone who is homeless is Polk County, the department also provides access to basic needs services such as shower, clothing, and food. The goal of the department is to make the right referral at the right time and to help clients obtain housing to end their homelessness.

Services

PHC has its own internal continuum of care,including basic health,OB, women’s health,the Health and Law project, substance abuse screening, mental health assessments, referrals, and advocacy. There is no wrong door which increases access for those who enter our clinics and leave with gratification. This year, PHC was granted a HRSA Enabling Services award for the Des Moines and Marshalltown Clinics. Funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was awarded to assist with increased demand and capital improvements.

24 hour emergency on-call, Asthma, Basic Needs, Behavioral Health Care Services, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Cancer Screening, Case Management/Social Services, Child Development Services, Chronic Bronchitis/Emphysema, Contraceptives (issued w/counseling), Dental Care, Diabetes Testing/Care, Family Planning, Flu Vaccinations, Gynecology, Health/Nutritional Education, Hepatitis C screening/treatment, HIV/AIDS screening/education, Immunizations, Labs, Medications/Prescription, Mental Health Counseling, Mobile Van/Transportation, Outreach, Pediatrics, Pharmacy, Physical Exams, Pneumococcal vaccine, Primary Health Care, Referrals for Specialty Care, Services in Supportive Housing, TB screening/education, Treatment of Acute Illness, Treatment of Chronic Illness, Urgent Care, Well Child Check-ups, X-ray. Additional services are provided: Clothing closet, Food, Housing navigator, Polk County Centralized Intake, Rent/utility assistance, Shower,

Linkages

TOP works closely with other McKinney-funded programs in Des Moines serving youth and young mothers. TOP has established linkages with 100 agencies and organizations, including area shelters, Iowa Department of Human Services, substance abuse treatment centers, Des Moines Department of Housing Assistance, and religious and private organizations. Other community connections include Healthy Start, Visiting Nurses Association, and Iowa Empowerment.

Statistics

Estimated homeless population: 6,008

Patients served: 3,863 in 2018

Subcontractors

Behavioral Health Resources

945 19th Street Des Moines, IA 50314

Contact:

Cynthia Steidel

Phone:

(515) 241-0982

Fax:

(515) 241-0993

Email:

cynthias@bhrci.org

House of Mercy

1409 Clark Street Des Moines, IA 50314

Contact:

Todd Beveridge

Phone:

(515) 643-6500

Fax:

(515) 643-6598

Email:

tbeveridge@mercydsm.org