First medical respite program launches in Nebraska

The Charles Drew Health Center and Siena Francis House have launched Nebraska’s first medical respite program for homeless individuals.

According to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, medical respite programs offer acute and post-acute care for homeless individuals who are too ill or frail to recover from an illness or injury on the streets.

This is a 24-month pilot program in the greater Omaha area of Nebraska.

“The program will grant those experiencing homelessness better post-acute recovery care, and safe and secure short-term residential housing allowing for improved health, social and cost outcomes for all involved,” Charles Drew Health Center CEO Kenny McMorris said in a press release.

According to the release, the Charles Drew Health Center will provide post-acute care, behavioral health, dental care and pharmacy services. The Siena Francis House will provide shelter, food, clothing and other personal needs. Medical respite programs have shown to shorten hospital length stays, reduce hospital readmissions, improve health outcomes and lower cost of health care, the release said.

“We are excited to launch this pilot and improve the system of care for individuals who are experiencing homelessness and have needs that cannot be met in a traditional shelter setting,” Michelle Bobier, Siena Francis House chief program officer, said in the release.