Agenda

Return

C.108

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	FAMILY & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Date:	December 7, 2021

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

FHS Referral No. 5 - Health Care for the Homeless

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 12/07/2021

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:

Enid Mendoza, (925) 655-2051

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: December 7, 2021
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

ACCEPT the annual Health Care for the Homeless report as presented by the Public Health Division of the Health Services Department.

FISCAL IMPACT:

This report is informational and there are no fiscal impacts associated with the acceptance of this report.

BACKGROUND:

Since 1990, the Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) Program has provided health care services to the homeless population in Contra Costa County through mobile clinics, stationary health centers, the Concord Medical Respite facility, street medical outreach clinics and the medication-assisted treatment program. Health care services provided by the HCH team include routine physical assessments, basic treatment of primary health problems such as minor wounds and skin conditions, respiratory problems, TB screening, acute communicable disease screening, coordination and referrals for follow-up treatment of identified health care needs, dental services, health education, behavioral health services, medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction, and outreach and enrollment services. A significant portion of the homeless patients seen by the HCH team have chronic diseases, including asthma, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health/substance abuse issues. They also have disproportionately more dental, substance abuse and mental health needs than the general population.

The Family and Human Services Committee (FHS) received a Health Care for the Homeless report at its November 15, 2021 meeting. The report highlighted the impact safe, non-congregate shelters has had on the behavioral health and medical outcomes of our County's unhoused populations. Staff also provided information on the department's response to COVID-19 and how the Health Care for the Homeless program has provided direct medical and behavioral health services, COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, and support services to those individuals living on the streets, in our shelters and in our Project Room-key hotels.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

The annual report on the Health Care for the Homeless program will not be received as recommended by the FHS.