Depaul Ireland’s Post

As the authors in this Health Affairs article say, “Considering the inextricable links among #homelessness, poor health outcomes, and increased health care use, it’s time to empower health care leaders to embrace cross-sector collaboration, data sharing for care coordination, and collective action toward ending homelessness in every community.” To support this empowerment, the authors share a number of helpful resources along with lessons learned from the Healthcare and Homelessness Pilot project launched by Community Solutions, Inc. and IHI. #SDOH #HealthEquity #HousingisHealthcare

It’s our pleasure to introduce you to our Lead Care Manager Valentina “Vava” Cole "Enhanced Care Management (ECM) works with folks who are housed, experiencing or at risk of homelessness. As an LCM, I mainly assist clients in navigating the state's healthcare system and accessing medical supports through Medi-Cal. Clients' physical and mental health care is crucial to their ability to maintain housing and live the lives they deserve. On a day-to-day basis, I assist clients with transportation to and from appointments; contact medical providers and insurance companies with and on behalf of clients; case conference with housing coordinators and stabilization teams and assess clients for their physical and mental health needs on an on-going basis. I find fulfillment and meaning in being someone that clients can rely on to help communicate and advocate for their needs in a society where many of them have been treated as less than. The biggest stigma/misconception that I have encountered is that our population of focus is incapable of functioning in society and that our clients will never recover from the adversities they face. As an LCM, I have witnessed clients maintain sobriety; transition into and maintain housing placements; gain independence in regard to keeping track of and making it to medical appointments; obtain and maintain employment; stabilize in mental health treatment and recover from physical health conditions despite facing many obstacles. Unfortunately, we live in a world where society often looks down on individuals who experience homelessness. I believe that a housing-first, harm-reduction and client-focused approach can aid our clients in gaining and increasing self-sufficiency and quality of life." #PillarsOfFriendship #HousingEndsHomelessness

City Council has recently passed a #resolution asking the provincial and federal governments to allocate funds to support the capital and operational costs for a Wellness Centre serving Northeastern Ontario.   This is an important step in establishing Council’s position on the need for a full-scale treatment facility in Timmins to address mental health and addiction concerns.   The request includes a review of all funding and program options to support a Wellness Centre, with an ask that actions be taken immediately and options for enhanced care and service provision be presented by the provincial and federal governments to the community within 90 days of the passing of the resolution.   Passing formal resolutions are one way that City Council advocates for community priorities, concerns, and solutions. Read the full resolution here: https://lnkd.in/ehRRQ9NC #municipalgovernment #citycouncil #advocacy #timmins #northernontario

As social enterprises delivering NHS Services, reducing health inequalities is a key objective for many of our UHUK members. The great work done by the Salford Primary Care Together (SPCT) team on their Homeless Inclusion Service has been highlighted in the MIMS Learning platform with a module on tackling health inequalities through inclusion: homelessness. Well done to the team, and thanks to urgent care physician Dr Ivan Koay for collaborating with SPCT and using their SPCT model in this module outlining the principles of inclusion health. #UHUK #SocialEnterprise #healthinequalities https://lnkd.in/edVFAV75

Some 60 yrs ago, Rev Alan Walker took a phone call which forever changed the way we support people in #distress. That call started Lifeline Australia. Fast forward, and in response to a lack of services in #regional #SouthAustralia, Lifeline Regional SA & Far West NSW have established #LifelineConnectCentres where people experiencing difficulties and distress can walk-in and engage with #volunteers with #livedexperience and receive free #counselling if needed. The centres also provide free #training in #suicideprevention to their local #communities. It is likewise a game changer, when the narrative is that government funding stops at the Tollgate. #Localcommunities provide the bulk of funding, through #volunteer run thrift shops and local #philanthropy, but partnerships with State and Federal governments are vital. But with no support from the State Government and scant support from the Commonwealth, the future of #mentalhealth and suicide prevention services in regional South Australia is unclear. Yesterday Philip Chabrel and I met with State Opposition Leader Hon. David Speirs MP and Shadow Minister for Regional Health, Aging, Preventive Health, Mental Health & Suicide Prevention and Member for Frome, Hon. Penny Pratt MP, to discuss our Strategic Plan and immediate needs which have thus far fallen on deaf ears. The Liberal Party of Australia (South Australian Division) understand what people in our communities are looking for, and it’s genuine partnership. Yesterday, the Opposition provided full support for our Strategic Plan and our request for current funding, still sitting unacknowledged with the State Government. We are seeking bipartisan support, for partnership with rural and regional SA communities, and would welcome a conversation with State Health Minister Hon. Chris Picton MP and Premier Peter Malinauskas on State support towards an Australia free of suicide.

This is awesome. For once, it feels like a (more) holistic approach to solving a problem by getting to the root cause. tldr; University Health Network (healthcare) & Fred Victor (NFP housing org) are partnering to provide not just housing, but doctors, psychiatric help, justice help, prepared meals and more, for 51 (homeless) individuals who are frequent ER visitors. The avg homeless patient spends 15.4 days in the hospital and costs $16,800 to treat. More than double the avg person. Why can't we be doing more experiments like these? https://lnkd.in/gN-CCx_V

This module by Ivan Koay describes the commendable effort by the Salford Primary Care Together SPCT team to tackle homelessness. To read and find out how you can implement in your own practice, head over to MIMS Learning and read the module, which also contains practical tips and strategies you can use. https://lnkd.in/e4_qnR_f

Did you know that around 80% of people experiencing homelessness in the UK have a physical health problem, compared to 28% in the general population? It is Estimated that those experiencing homelessness die between 15 and 20 years younger than the general population. Why is this? •A lack of access to Healthcare. •Increased risk of Chronic Conditions and Infectious Diseases. •Nutritional Deficiencies due to Limited access to nutritious food.  •Stigma associated with homelessness can lead to discrimination, further isolating individuals and hindering their ability to access services and reintegrate into society. To address these challenges, we collaborate with our partners such as Nuffield Health, one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit healthcare organisations, focused on fitness, wellbeing, and healthcare. In partnership with Nuffield Heath, we offer a yoga workshop designed specifically for our trainees and graduates. Change Please Trainees are also invited to join Nuffield Heath’s free Joint Pain Programme, helping participants to self-manage chronic joint pain, leading to a more independent life. Through this, trainees can also access Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centre at no cost. The partnership highlights how social enterprises and healthcare providers can work together to tackle homelessness in a meaningful, impactful way by addressing both employment and the health challenges that often accompany homelessness. For further advice and guidance on health and wellbeing we encourage you to download and use the NHS APP *Homeless Link, October 2022 #changeplease #changepleasefoundation #10daysforchange Cemal Ezel OBE Robert Gillon

https://lnkd.in/gwn4Pgbi The linked article, as well as so many others - along with myriad studies, provides significant evidence that affordable and stable housing is a fundamental and critical part of health care. #affordablehousing #safeandstablehousing #homelessness #healthcare #housingashealthcare