NATIONAL HEALTH CARE FOR THE HOMELESS COUNCIL
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | MAY 4, 2010
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Greetings!
I'm writing from Nashville as we wait for the thousand-year
flood to subside. Fortunately, the
National Health Care for the Homeless Council's offices were not affected, and while several staff
members' homes were damaged, none of us was hurt by the overwhelming torrents
of water. Many of our neighbors were not
so lucky, losing everything they had to the storm. We don't know yet how many died. Council staff members are working in various
ways to help others, especially those who have lost their homes, cars or campsites.
The flood comes at the end of a very busy April. Here a few of the month's highlights.
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2010 NATIONAL HEALTH CARE FOR THE HOMELESS CONFERENCE & POLICY SYMPOSIUM
REGISTRATION DATE EXTENDED TO MAY 15
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During April, we continued to prepare for the 2010 National Health Care for the Homeless Conference & Policy Symposium "Innovative Approaches: Building on 25 Years of HCH"
to be held in San Francisco on June 3-5. As
we reached the registration cut-off date, our website was the target of a
malware attack, random viciousness that put us out of commission on several
critical days.
All is restored and safe
on our website now, and registration has been extended until May 15. So, if you haven't done so, please register now.
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ONLINE TRAININGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
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Our important training on Documenting Disability for Medical Providers
became available online through our website in April. Proper documentation is key to obtaining federal disability benefits,
the only avenue to health insurance and a small monthly check for many homeless people. Please call this course to the attention of clinicians who are working in homeless health care.
Early last month, we trained federal project officers and other Bureau of Primary Health
Care employees on "Special Considerations in Health Care for
the Homeless," helping them to understand the
extreme health care needs of homeless people and the necessity of adapting usual health care practices in order to serve homeless people well. Much of the content of this training is available in the online version of HCH 101, a useful orientation for anyone beginning to work in our field.
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ONE BRIGHT NIGHT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
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The Council's April 29 fundraiser, One Bright Night for
Human Rights, featuring Cowboy Jack Clement and Old Crow Medicine Show, was an
unqualified success, grossing over $25,000 to support our advocacy work. Thanks to those of you who bought tickets for
homeless people in Nashville, and to the many sponsors, volunteers and fine
musicians who made it happen. Twenty-five years
into the history of the Council, we are building a strong base of individual
supporters who share our commitment to health care and housing as human rights.
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HEALTH
CARE REFORM & THE FUTURE OF HCH
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The Council is working to define our particular responsibilities over the
next four years, as far-from-perfect health care reforms begin to be
implemented. Health Care for the Homeless projects will grow with new federal funding, and most of our clients
will become eligible for Medicaid. The
National Council will work to assure that the states' health programs properly
accommodate homeless people, and that HCH projects expand their efforts to find
and enroll those who are most separated from effective health care.
As the sudden experience of homelessness due to the Nashville flood reminds us, human beings will always be vulnerable to homelessness. Our work to assure good health care for our dispossessed neighbors must continue, and our advocacy relies on the generosity of our friends and supporters. Your gift of any size is always greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your support.
Peace,
John N. Lozier, MSSW | Executive Director
615/226-2292 | www.nhchc.org | [email protected]
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HEALTH CARE AND HOUSING ARE HUMAN RIGHTS
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