Client storytelling is a staple of the nonprofit business model, ever present in advocacy, clinic tours, fundraising—and news articles like the one you are reading right now.
Substance screenings now standard
01.28.16
We are making substance use screenings a standard and regular part of our care. They are strengthening our client relationships and better positioning us to provide them with high-quality, whole-person care. They are a case study here at Health Care for the Homeless in performance improvement.
In April, 2015, Health Care for the Homeless providers began administering a substance use screening process called SBIRT to clients. This is a simple set of questions that identifies people who might be abusing alcohol or drugs and offers opportunities for an intervention. This screening process presents a huge—and important—opportunity in our work with people experiencing homelessness:
It can be administered by almost any health care professional; at Health Care for the Homeless, our medical, mental health, case management, housing and outreach providers all use the SBIRTscreen with clients.
It creates the opening for providers and clients to have difficult conversations about substance use, a topic many find uncomfortable.
By the end of 2015, 79% of eligible clients were receiving the SBIRT screen each month, a number that far exceeds the rates at most other health centers in the Mid-Atlantic.
Our goal in 2016 is to continue to improve our screenings for substance use and ensure that all our lients receive help when they need it.
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The Trans Rights Advocacy Coalition (TRAC) has been the driving force in championing trans rights policy changes in Maryland. Due to stigma and structural discrimination, transgender people—particularly transgender people of color—experience high rates of homelessness. Following the implementation of the Trans Health Equity Act in January, we talked with TRAC leadership about their work and community.
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04.19.24
Since starting in January 2022, REI Health Specialist Arie Hayre-Somuah, LMSW, MPH has worked with our clinical teams to identify health disparities and move us closer to health equity. This year, she is turning her focus to the topic of health literacy.
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04.02.24
We are delighted to announce the promotion of Hanna Mast from Senior Communications Manager to Director of Communications. Get to know more about her work in the Q&A below!
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