A team of partners has developed a pathway for Chatham-Kent’s homeless to access essential medical and social supports.
The Pathway2Care (P2C) initiative, put together by partners from various corners of the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT), the program involved a diverse team of health and social service professionals.
That team provides person-centered care, bridging gaps between hospital and community resources, according to a media release from Medavie Health Services, one of the CKOHT members.
Partners in P2C include Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K), the Municipality of Chatham-Kent housing services, the Canadian Mental Health Association of Lambton-Kent (CMHA), the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) and the Chatham-Kent EMS.
Renee Geniole, executive director of R.O.C.K., said the team effort is an excellent approach.
“R.O.C.K. is grateful for the opportunity to work with community partners in creating safety nets for people experiencing houselessness in new and innovative ways,” she said in a media release. “Surrounding those with complex needs with such a rich and supportive team will have impacts that we may never fully realize.”
The P2C program supports individuals transitioning from hospital to the community by helping to ensure they have the resources needed for their recovery, thus reducing the likelihood of hospital readmissions.
The team, made up of a paramedic, housing stability worker, and peer-2-peer leaders, collaborate to address any immediate health concerns and the social determinants of health, such as housing and emotional support.
Jennifer Crowell, supporting housing supervisor for the municipality praised the collaboration concept of P2C.
“Bridging the gaps in services and providing the individual with a supportive team from various organizations allows them the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing. This program will have significant impact on the lives of the members of our community,” she said.
P2C began with the launch of its outreach clinic in September. Every Wednesday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at R.O.C.K (at 39 Richmond St. in Chatham) the P2C team provides drop-in health, housing, and peer support.
Since its launch, the outreach clinic has connected with more than 40 individuals, offering immediate support and connections to local health and social services.
The P2C program expanded later that month to include an in-patient hospital collaboration. For community members who provide consent, the process begins with a referral from the CKHA social work team to the EMS community paramedic program.
From there, the P2C team steps in to deliver integrated support tailored to the needs of each individual.
P2C staff have since supported eight clients transitioning from hospital to community care, ensuring they receive ongoing support through personalized health, housing, and peer support services.
