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| NHCHC CONFERENCE IN SAN FRANCISCO, CA | | |
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF HCH!
Over 800 clinicians, administrators, advocates, federal employees, and consumers came together in San Francisco at the Marriott Marquis to talk about 25 years of Health Care for the Homeless. There was a wide array of workshops, poster sessions, roundtables, and advocacy opportunities for everyone in attendance. The hotel was beautiful and hotel staff were attentive to our needs.
As always, NCAB holds a business meeting including annual elections for open positions. This year the positions open were: Chair, Co-Chair, Secretary, and 2 Member-At-Large positions. The officers of NCAB for 2010-2011 are as follows:
- Chair- Amy Grassette (Worcester, MA)
- Co-Chair- Carol Hall (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
- Co-Chair- Reginald O. Hamilton (Detroit, MI)
- Secretary- Marianne Malott (Eugene, OR)
- Member-At-Large- Joseph Benson (Houston, TX)
- Member-At-Large- Tom Rossi (Denver, CO)
- Member-At-Large- Kaylynn Boone (Salt Lake City, UT)
NCAB EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY AT WORK
Scholarships are given each year by the Council for consumers to attend the Conference. One of the requirements of receiving a scholarship is that the recipients of the scholarship attend the NCAB Business Meeting. This year we had more than 40 consumers in attendance. Each officer of NCAB spoke about different aspects of what initiatives NCAB has been involved in and other speakers from NHCHC, including Barbara DiPietro, John Lozier, Molly Meinbresse, and Sarah Davidson, also presented. Topics included:
- Healthcare Reform
- Past NCAB Research and the Upcoming 'Violence Study'
- Ellen Dailey Consumer Advocacy Award
- Consensus Decision Making
There were some objections to the nominees for election, but upon further discussion the slate was adopted by consensus. A light meal was served and everyone was encouraged to attend the "Human Rights Rally," held Friday at the United Nations Plaza.
As in previous years, NCAB offered a workshop focused on consumers and governance, how to start and maintain a CAB, and the history of NCAB. Each year this workshop is highly attended and well received.
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NCAB CONTRIBUTES TO THE U.S. INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON HOMELESSNESS FEDERAL STRATEGIC PLAN TO PREVENT AND END HOMELESSNESS, TITLED: "OPENING DOORS."
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NCAB INVOLVEMENT IN CREATION OF "OPENING DOORS" This past Spring, NCAB officers had the unique opportunity to contribute to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness' new Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. The federal agency reached out to NCAB to get input into this new plan by holding a focus group discussion with the NCAB Executive Committee. The plan was recently released to the President, Congress, and the public on June 22, 2010.
Director of the Interagency Council, Barbara Poppe, publicly thanked NCAB members for that input at this year's National Health Care for the Homeless Conference, at which Ms. Poppe was a keynote speaker. All NCAB officers, along with many others, are listed in the acknowledgment section of the document. Only time will tell how the plan will impact those individuals, children, and families who are struggling to overcome homelessness in our country.
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| NCAB LAUNCHES STUDY ON VIOLENCE | | |
NCAB STUDY APPROVED BY INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD
Over the last 5 years, officers of NCAB have been going out into their communities to conduct outreach surveys completed by individuals who are homeless. The purpose of these surveys is to gather information about health care, access, and other relevant issues.
This year, NCAB decided that they would do more rigorous outreach on the topic of violence. Nearly two years ago, NCAB met in San Francisco to develop the questions that would be on the survey, and after a lengthy process, submitted the study to an IRB (Institutional Review Board) for approval.
Approval was received this past April by the Metro Public Health Department of Nashville, and on July 15th, the study was launched. NCAB officers and members of their local CABs (Consumer Advisory Boards) are out in their communities talking to individuals about their experiences of violence and plan to end the study in late August.
Amy Grassette, Chair of NCAB became certified to be the Principal Investigator on the study, along with two Co-Principal Investigators, based in Nashville.
After the conclusion of the study, the data will be analyzed for trends and policy implications and then hopefully publicized. Results will also be published in this Newsletter and on the Council's website.
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| HEALTH REFORM | |
RESOURCES FOR CONSUMERS AND THE PUBLIC Since health reform passed in March, most polls show people still aren't sure what's in it. And with all the different news reports and people yelling and screaming, it was either pretty confusing or a big turn-off. The one biggest change that benefits people experiencing homelessness is the expansion of Medicaid to all low income people starting in 2014. The National Health Care for the Homeless Council has put together a short "frequently asked questions" (or FAQ) directed at answering many consumer questions about the health reform law. Please share this information with others you know that might also have questions. For more information, go to the Council's health reform website or go directly to the FAQ.
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| NATIONAL HEALTH CENTERS WEEK AUG. 8th-14th
HEALTHCARE FOR THE HOMELESS DAY AUG. 11th | | | Across the country, clinicians, clients, advocates, and the public at large will be celebrating National Health Center Week, the annual week of appreciation for the health centers that make up a large portion of our healthcare safety net. This year also marks the 45th anniversary of the Health Centers program. To find an event near you visit the Health Centers Week website.
NCAB and CAB members are participating in many events specific to Healthcare for the Homeless day as well including outreach campaigns, voter registration drives and other festivities. Contact your local CAB or HCH for information about these events. |
| DENVER CELEBRATES THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT | |
1,000 ATTEND EVENT AT CITY BOTANICAL GARDENS
Many speakers spoke of the price that was paid by so many to get the basic human rights and services for our Brothers and Sisters with ABILITIES!!! The event was held at the World Famous Denver Botanic Gardens. Attendees mingled in a large information/networking tent where everyone enjoyed a FREE, catered lunch! Entertainment was everywhere on this 16 acre facility. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless' Consumer Advisory Board was represented by Tom Rossi, Randle Loeb, and new CAB member Ed Paetzold.
Coinciding with the 20th anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Denver Botanic Gardens broke ground for their new Sensory Garden! This garden is being created specifically for people with disabilities. Accessible to all populations, the development of the design for this garden was truly a collaborative effort, with involvement from organizations such as the City of Denver's Office of Disability Rights, the Mayor appointed Commission for people with Disabilities, and University of Colorado -Denver's Landscape Architecture Department.
Submitted by: Rev. Tom Rossi (Denver, CO)
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| WESTERN REGIONAL ADVOCACY PROJECT TO RELEASE FOLLOW UP TO "WITHOUT HOUSING" REPORT TITLED "WITHOUT RIGHTS" | |
NEW STUDY AND REPORT ON DENYING HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS BASIC RIGHTS SLATED TO BEGIN
Focused on the rights on the homeless, mentally ill, and poor, this report continues in the spirit of their first report with a focus on human rights for all.
Over the last several years, police from across the country have targeted the homeless and mentally ill for such things as lying on park benches and sitting on sidewalks. The individuals who are being targeted are our citizens and they are being made to feel that they have no place in our society. Shame on the law enforcement for giving these individuals tickets to appear in court; knowing full well that most of them will not appear in court because of lack of legal representation. These infractions fall under what are being called sit/lie laws. Once the individual fails to appear in court, a bench warrant is put out for their arrest and the simple infractions then become misdemeanors and go on their records.
Laws have gone so far as to state that individuals can no longer feed people in public spaces or even offer water to our brothers and sisters in need. The latest in a string of such atrocities is a young girl being told by the San Francisco police department that she needed to disassemble her lemonade stand.
Along with this new report, WRAP is beginning an outreach effort in cities throughout the San Francisco area, to speak to homeless and mentally ill people about their thoughts on their rights. In addition, WRAP is in talks with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's office and others about holding a Congressional Briefing on the report, to be held in Washington, DC in November.
To find out more, please visit WRAP's website. |
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| MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS | |
For Now
We will wait withering in the brushsleeping on the hallowed ground of consciousness,clinging to the resolve that we will rise and walk out from this placewhen it is time.
We will listen to the stirring rhythm of the heart; meekly
awaiting the grace of touch that raises the blushing pulse with hope
for tomorrow and a step that balances both poise and spirit.
Whose rising freshens the gift of breathing?
We will furtively look at the eyes and lips of the damned as though this was the greatest
passion.
Holding steadfast withered hands, stroking the troubled brow of the stooping shoulders,
grasping a hold, aloft the spirit
of a compassionate vision of tenderness
For the last shall be first and the wandering vagabond will rise sitting on the right side of the
feasting wayfarers.
Her rambling being a foreseen testimony of the days of remembering, keenly aware of the
Treasure of each one;
preserving and persevering as long as two hearts beat.
Submitted by: Randle Loeb (Denver, CO)
Ambiance
Spiraling grandly toward the heavens with its evergreen appendages contrasting its environment.
Its branches silhouetted by the accumulated snow flakes as though drawn there by an outstanding artist.
At its base lay mounds of wind blown snow as though supporting the mighty evergreen.
All around stands the mighty oak and poplar barren, almost naked with scattered snow on scattered branches.
Across the street stands the artistically round evergreen neighbor brightening the plaza.
I am slender and shapely as I stretch to the sky.
I see you over there so perfectly round and content to decorate the plaza.
I see the people as they are traveling the streets, sidewalks and the plaza.
I see the moods and emotions displayed, the sound of the motors, hear the children playing, the animal noises.
We were sent here to positively influence the atmosphere.
We were sent here to remove the negative energy, especially while the others slept/rested.
We were sent here to this place in this time to be constant oxygenating cleanser of the atmosphere.
We, the evergreens are a reminder of the creative genius of our Source.
Submitted by: Reginald O. Hamilton (Detroit, MI)
Greening of Health Care
Today I have an appointment at the Health Center
Today I am greeted with a pleasant smile at my Center
Today I do not have to perform any paperwork at my Center
Today I can be identified by my life signs at my Center.
Today after confirming my presence, the greening begins
Today I enter my finger into a sterile device and it begins
Today this device acknowledges who I am and my vitals begin
Today my Center has a state of the art operation and here it begins.
Today my provider is informed of my presence, my appointment time, and my vital signs.
Today my provider can summon any information from all my medical sources without wasting paper or time.
Today my provider can elicit tests from the past and request tests in the future.
Today my provider can preserve my diagnosis, view my analysis, document my present condition, even send a clear prescription to my insurance and pharmacist.
Today we are greening Health Care!
Submitted by: Reginald O. Hamilton (Detroit, MI)
Desert Fire
In this epiphany or is it amazing grace
What a phenomenon to experience the essence at this place
Listen to the wind, see the elements blend
Traverse the space hardly touching the earth, perhaps you spin, spin, spin.
Listen to the music of the universe
Absorb the essential energy that captivates your girth
Hear the message from the Sender, open your heart to its splendor
You are here, you are there, you are everywhere.
Be your own eclectic musician, immerse in the bases and shrills of this earth
The picturesque sounds flood the mountains, valleys, oceans, plains, deserts
The vibrations of life flow from conception to reception, from the reed to speed
Life burns with passion and fire inside, let it burn, enjoy, go forth and succeed.
The sun is bright, the mountains are majestic
The breezes blow steady and warm
The jet stream circles the globe from equator to equator
The ripple in the sand is heard on the other side of the world
The drop in the ocean converges and transforms the other side of the world
The fire in your belly ignites the ideas that propels the activities that control the world
The music in the ear, your mind, your heart, is in harmony with the Spirit that created the world.
Submitted by: Reginald O. Hamilton (Detroit, MI)
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Dan Rabbitt, MSW | NCAB Coordinator &
Health Policy Organizer
National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Inc.
drabbitt@nhchc.org | 443/703-1337 | www.nhchc.org
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