Housing and the Role of Hospitals
An Effective Practice
Description
The University of Illinois Health and the Center for Housing and Health started a program that provided stable housing and supportive services to chronically homeless individuals. Individuals for the study were referred to the program from health care providers. Once approved by a panel of physicians, social workers, and other experts, an outreach worker from an outside agency would find the patient, build trust, and connect them with services. Participants, with the assistance from their caseworker, first moved into transitional housing followed by long-term independent housing.
Goal / Mission
The goal was to create a housing program as one way to respond to chronic homelessness and associated health concerns.
Results / Accomplishments
Early results suggest a 42% drop in program participants’ health care costs, a 35% reduction in ED visits, and an increase in patients accessing clinics for routine care.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System
Primary Contact
Stephen B. Brown
Director of Preventive Emergency
Medicine, University of Illinois Health
(312) 996-4859
sbbrown9@uic.edu
Director of Preventive Emergency
Medicine, University of Illinois Health
(312) 996-4859
sbbrown9@uic.edu
Topics
Economy / Housing & Homes
Health
Health
Organization(s)
University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System
Source
American Hospital Association
Date of implementation
2015
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Chicago, IL
For more details
https://www.aha.org/ahahret-guides/2017-08-22-soci...
https://www.aha.org/system/files/hpoe/Reports-HPOE...
https://www.aha.org/system/files/hpoe/Reports-HPOE...
Target Audience
Adults