Health Resource Center

112 E. Liberty Street
Cincinnati, OH 45210
513-357-4602

Project Title
Center for Respite Care
Grant Description
To provide medical respite care to homeless individuals recovering from illnesses of hospitalization in Hamilton County
Focus Area
Community Primary Care
Region Served
Hamilton County, OH
Award Amount
$250,000
Year Awarded
2003
Grant Duration
24 months
Results The Center for Respite Care successfully established an infrastructure to open and operate a 24-hour medical recovery facility for homeless people. Policies and procedures were developed; 22 staff members were hired and trained; referral processes were established; relationships were developed with hospitals, clinics, and shelters; and licensing was granted by the City of Cincinnati.

The Center for Respite Care opened on October 15, 2003, within the Center for Chemical Addictions Treatment. Since the center opened, we have treated over 100 clients with a wide variety of medical conditions. More than 85% of our clients have multiple medical diagnoses, taking an average of five prescribed medications each, and most have mental health and/or substance abuse issues. The average length of stay is approximately 10 days.

Awareness of the Center for Respite Care within the community has been successfully expanded through several avenues: meetings were held with hospitals and homeless agencies, packets were mailed to social workers throughout the city, hundreds of fliers were distributed to front line homeless agency workers, a 10-minute video was created telling our story (including interviews with current and former clients), and over 100 key players in the community attended our open house. Additionally, media coverage has included radio reporting and articles in each of the daily newspapers, a magazine, and several newsletters.

We continue to pursue funding for long-term sustainability and are in the process of developing a fundraising plan. The center was recently selected for a site visit by the City of Cincinnati for an operating grant.

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Project Title
Health Resource Center - Infrastructure Expansion
Grant Description
To implement and expand the management infrastructure system
Focus Area
Community Primary Care
Region Served
Hamilton County, OH
Award Amount
$170,000
Year Awarded
2002
Grant Duration
12 months
Results
 A full time Assistant Director was hired in January 2003.  The Assistant Director filled several management gaps within the agency and six months into the project the position title was changed to Director of Operations.

A financial consultant was hired in April 2003 to oversee the fiscal operations and to implement a billing system.  The position was restructured in December 2003 as a shared part-time employee position with the agency and another homeless shelter provider. The grantee indicated there is a need for this position to become full time.

A networked computer system with ongoing technology support was implemented including broadband connectivity. A billing system vendor (OSIS) was selected with full billing capacity projected to be achieved by March 2005.  However, this goal was not met because HRC did not receive Medicaid provider status during the project grant period.

A business plan was written and approved by the Board of Trustees for full implementation.  Projected financial operations indicate deficits for all forecasted fiscal years. A fully functional accounting department has been established. Revenue from billing for services has been hindered because HRC is not yet a Medicaid provider. A preliminary fundraising campaign was approved.  A direct mail campaign was implemented.  Grants have been submitted to the City of Cincinnati and the federal Health Resources Services Administration.

HRC engaged in many board recruitment activities and held two Board retreats to review the strategic plan and code of regulations in order to reflect changes in board governance.

HRC has a goal of expanding its services and co-locating with   the Respite Center in a new facility.  Toward this end, HRC secured “Emergency Shelter” designation for the Respite program and Emergency Shelter Grant funding in June 2004. This may lead to capital funding eligibility from the Ohio Department of Development.

While specific infrastructure objectives were met, the organization and its Board leadership faced many challenges that almost led to its demise.  The organization does not have effective management staffing nor funding that will allow them to expand into the level of service they desire to provide.  For example, the addition of the Center for Respite Care almost doubled the level of responsibility and organizational capacity needed to develop this program. While   the grantee believes that they have laid the groundwork to meet program objectives and sustain their operations, it is viewed as doubtful.

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Project Title
Health Resource Center Configuration
Grant Description
To reconfigure work space for the provision of more appropriate client service areas and furnishings
Focus Area
Community Primary Care
Region Served
Hamilton County, OH
Award Amount
$17,500
Year Awarded
2001
Grant Duration
12 months
Results For the past 6½ years, we used designated open spaces that consisted of a desk and a chair alongside each other for therapists and students to see clients. This was an acceptable arrangement when the clinic was not busy. However, the clinic is usually filled to capacity, and this arrangement seriously limits the ability to deal with clients confidentially. There was the possibility that the conversations would be overheard. More importantly, clients in the waiting area were visible and distracting.

The clinic was closed for one week in November for remodeling. The walls were painted, the floors were refinished, and cubicles were constructed for each of the staff and students. The result is wonderful. Both staff and clients were overjoyed at the "new digs" and the ability to deal with clients in a more confidential manner.

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Project Title
Health Resource Center Office Support
Grant Description
To provide start-up office support for the Health Resource Center's administrative team
Focus Area
Community Primary Care
Region Served
All 20 counties in HFGC service area
Award Amount
$12,000
Year Awarded
2003
Grant Duration
12 months
Results The grant objectives were met to help support the administrative team.

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Project Title
Outreach to Homeless Youth
Grant Description
To expand an outreach program serving homeless youth in order to provide medical, mental health, and social services
Focus Area
Severe Mental Illness
Region Served
Hamilton County, OH
Award Amount
$200,000
Year Awarded
2000
Grant Duration
24 months
Results Health Resource Center (HRC):
  • opened and staffs Anthony House in Corryvile to serve homeless youth for a few hours two days a week.
  • provides medical care; psychiatric care; social services; referrals to housing, vocational programs, job placement, and substance abuse treatment; prevention services such as screenings for TB, HIV, and Hepatitis; and help with pregnancy issues.
  • provides food, clothing, showers, and laundry. Youth can also use Anthony House as a location to receive mail and access email. Youth can call a toll free number from anywhere in the country 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to talk to a social worker.
  • obtained ongoing funding for the program.

Results from the program include:

  • The program served 24 youth per month in the first year and 54 youth per month the second year.
  • 73% of youth returned for follow-up health visits.
  • Over the two years, Anthony House served 161 youth who accounted for 1,119 visits. These youth had 227 medical requests, 172 psychiatric requests, and 1,107 social service requests.
  • Prior to the grant period, 58.8% of the youth were living on the street. After the grant period, only 26.1% were living on the street.
  • Prior to the grant period, 71.1% of the youth were unemployed. After the grant period, 24.6% remained unemployed.

Some additional findings include:

  • The extent of heroin use among Anthony House clients was anticipated to be around 10%, but in reality was close to 40%.
  • The extent of drinking by Anthony House clients was more prevalent anticipated. Many of the youth reported drinking a case of beer a day.

Kevin Finn, HRC and Anthony House social worker, was named a 2001 Health Care Hero winner for his work. Connie Wilson, Anthony House and HRC Director, has presented the program at one national and two regional conferences. HRC staff are also working on an article about the program for publication in a professional journal.

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