Homelessness In Charlottesville Has Become A Significant Public Health Crisis
Did You Know
A majority of the homeless use the ER for their primary healthcare due to lack of resources. This significantly lowers the standard of care and follow-up for their treatment and further overloads our emergency rooms with non-critical visits. Access to healthcare, mental health services, and prescriptions are an insurmountable hurdle for the homeless. The lack of basic necessities like housing and nutrition build upon an already difficult existence.Is There A Better Way?
We Thought So-At CHA, our goal is to ensure that the homeless and underserved of the region have full access to the local healthcare system.
Our program began in February 2007 when PACEM (People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry), health professionals, students, and volunteers held a successful health fair for shelter guests. Since then, CHA has developed a plan for sustained operations with assistance both from Leadership Charlottesville and conversations with representatives of various community homeless organizations.
What We Do
- Provide medical screening through bi-monthly health fairs
- Identify needs, make appointments and referrals
- Assist the person with financial screening and medical record forms
- Accompany people to medical appointments when requested
- Offer prescription co-payment assistance
- Advocate and local agencies
- Provide transportation costs to medical appointments
- Lend an ear to someone in need