The recent emergence of coronavirus (COVID-19) calls for enhanced cooperation between public health authorities, homeless service systems, and other partners at the local level. To support these partnerships and the vulnerable households served, relevant federal agencies are issuing guidance from subject matter experts on lessons learned from previous response efforts to infectious diseases.
Please join a panel facilitated by Norm Suchar, Director of HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS), followed by a question and answer session, on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 3:00 PM EDT. Each panelist will provide the most up-to-date information available and identify resources to support local response efforts.
Panelists include:
- Jay Butler MD, Deputy Director Infectious Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Barbara DiPietro PhD, Senior Director of Policy, National Health Care for the Homeless Council
- Hedda McLendon, Manager, Housing Service and Stability, King County Department of Community and Human Services
- Marlisa Grogan, Senior Program Specialist, SNAPS, HUD
Webinar Instructions
If you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting before:
- Test your connection
- Learn more about Adobe Connect
Additional Information
Individuals experiencing chronic homelessness have an increased likelihood of chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension) as well as coinciding mental health diagnosis and/or history of substance use.
During crisis situations, health conditions can be exacerbated if health care regimes are not maintained or histories of trauma trigger high-risk behaviors. These factors may increase individuals’ risk of infection and should be accounted for in response planning. Local partners also need to consider how congregate programs (i.e. nursing homes and homeless shelters) can limit risks to their clients, staff, and volunteers. In the meantime, shelter providers should consult with their local health department before turning away individuals with respiratory symptoms. If an individual requires medical attention, please continue to direct them to a healthcare provider.
Key Resources:
Questions
HUD is also available to provide technical assistance to our homeless assistance providers who need support in preventing or responding to the spread of infectious disease. Submit your questions to the Ask A Question (AAQ) portal. In Step 2 of the question submission process, select “CoC: Continuum of Care Program” from the “My question is related to” drop down list and write “Health Preparedness and Response” in the subject line. |
