Integration of primary health and mental health care for persons experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis, Indiana

Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Pavilion Ballroom (Hilton Portland)
Bradley York, RN (Site Manager, Eskenazi Health)
Liza Crane, RN (Charge Nurse, Eskenazi Health)
Corbett Troyer, MSW, LCSW, LAC, GC-C (Clinical Supervisor, Eskenazi Health)
Aaron Kalinowski, MD (Medical Director, Eskenazi Health)
This presentation will address working together in a collaborative and interdisciplinary way. At Eskenazi Health Pedigo Health Center, integration of primary health and mental health care means that staff from each specialty share the same physical space, have access to the same electronic medical records programs, have open communication about patient care and clinic issues, and have an understanding of each other's roles and job responsibilities. The health center is located inside of the only full-service day-time homeless shelter in Indianapolis, where a broad range of day shelter, medical, mental health, benefits eligibility and peer recovery support services are available. Health Center staff also participate in Professional Blended Street Outreach, with groups of staff from different service providers going out into the homeless community to engage patients into services as needed. The Health Center regularly accepts college students for internships and externships from medical doctor, nursing, social work, and medical assistant training programs. Partnerships have been developed with other community partners in order to better provide for the health and wellness of our patients. These partnerships include: several area Farmers Markets accepting and delivering donations of healthy food for patients, Abby Hunt Bryce Home (a local facility that offers 2 medical respite beds for patients to recover following medical procedures), and staff representation on several area boards and planning committees aimed at improving the care provided to persons experiencing homelessness in our area.