Resource Details

The HCH Community & COVID-19: Strategies for Proactive Universal Testing

Year Developed: 2020

Resource Type: Publication.

Primary Audience: Administrative Staff C-Suite (CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, COOs, CMOs, etc) Clinicians

Language(s): English

Developed by: National Health Care for the Homeless Council (See other resources developed by this organization).

Resource Summary: This issue brief complements the most recent CDC guidance on testing among populations experiencing homelessness and provides public health authorities, emergency response systems, HCH health centers, and other community providers with feedback about these experiences. It also offers lessons learned and strategies for conducting successful universal testing events among homeless populations.

Resource Details: Many Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) programs have been partnering with their public health authorities to assist with broader-scale universal testing activities. To learn more about these experiences, Council staff conducted in-depth focus groups with five HCH programs, as well as shorter discussions with staff at 12 other HCH programs. This issue brief complements the most recent CDC guidance on testing and provides public health authorities, emergency response systems, HCH programs, and other community providers with feedback about these experiences. It also offers lessons learned and strategies for conducting successful universal testing events among homeless populations.The goal of this brief is to inform subsequent local testing events with new federal guidance, as well as feedback from the HCH focus groups on what has worked well (and not worked well) in individual communities.

Resource Topic: Special and Vulnerable Populations, Clinical Issues

Resource Subtopic: COVID-19, Community, Health, and Housing Partnerships.

Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Outreach, Persons Experiencing Homelessness.