Pueblo Community Health Center (PCHC) provides both Primary health and Behavioral health services in downtown Pueblo where the majority of individuals who are homeless dwell. PCHC provides a mid-level provider, nurse, and Program Coordinator for primary health care, substance abuse evaluation, and referral assistance. PCHC provides on-site substance abuse evaluations, counseling, and referrals to Crossroads Managed Care for substance abuse treatment. The center also provides education regarding healthier lifestyles for patients. The Program Coordinator maintains and evaluates day-to-day policies and procedures as well as assists patients with short term or episodic case management needs. Referrals to 24-hour emergency services, radiology, mental health counseling, dental services, and pharmaceutical services are also included in this centralized project. PCHC works closely with Posada, Pueblo’s homeless service agency, to help meet our patients’ needs for hygiene, housing, transportation and ongoing case management.

Services

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, Electronic Medical Records, Family Planning, Flu Vaccinations, Health/Nutritional Education, HIV/AIDS screening/education, Immunizations, Medication Prescribing, Medication Dispensing, Mental Health Counseling, Outreach, the Federal Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)services, Pharmacy, Physical Exams, Primary Health Care, Referrals for Specialty Care, Shelter outreach, STD Testing, Street Outreach, Substance Abuse Treatment, TB screening/education, Tobacco cessation

Linkages

Spanish Peaks Mental Health Center provides mental health case management services for adults and children through the Federal Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH). PATH employees refer homeless individuals to substance abuse treatment programs provided through local organizations, as well as provide emergency mental health evaluations and treatments, consumer advocacy, and residential services. Crossroads Managed Care accepts referrals for substance abuse treatment. Other informal linkages include the Pueblo County Department of Social Services, providing entitlement and eligibility assistance, as well as the YWCA, a domestic violence shelter which schedules informational sessions about homeless-related issues for their clients. Posada provides ongoing individual and family case management services to Pueblo’s homeless population. The Salvation Army and Gospel Rescue Mission in Pueblo provide residents with a referral to PCHC to establish a medical home.

Statistics

Estimated homeless population: 1,500

Patients served: 550