The Association for Community Living (ACL) is a statewide membership organization of not-for-profit agencies that provide housing and rehabilitation services to over 30,000 people diagnosed with serious and persistent psychiatric disabilities.
The day-to-day rehabilitative and support activities performed in community residential and other housing settings are vital for people who face the daily challenges of living with a psychiatric disability, but who want to live independent, productive and satisfying lives as members of the community.
The ACL held its 38th annual conference in Bolton Landing New York from November 1st- November 3rd. There were 10-15 panel discussions on various Mental Health Services topics. Urban Pathways presented a panel on Integrating Healthcare into Housing: The Creation of a Staffed Wellness Program in a Housing Setting.
With foundation support, Urban Pathways developed and implemented a Medical Wellness program at two of its Supportive Housing residences to help tenants with histories of homelessness, mental health and substance abuse issues, improve their health and healthcare utilization.
With a large number of medical incidents, and high-volume users of medical and emergency services, this program is designed to ultimately reduce reliance on expensive emergency room treatment. Urban Pathways’ Medical Wellness program connects its tenants to a community-based source of primary health care; educates tenants in the appropriate use of health care resources; and educates staff on ways to assist tenants with navigating the health care system.
This panel was presented by Urban Pathways Chief Compliance Officer Natalie Huntley-Hyman, Medication Room Coordinator Irene Treadwell, Program Director of Clinton/Boston Road Apartments, and CEO Frederick Shack (not pictured).
About Urban Pathways
Urban Pathways is a New York City-based, nonprofit organization that provides housing and support to homeless and at-risk adults throughout the New York Metropolitan area. Urban Pathways serves more than 2,000 homeless individuals a year and provides transitional, extended stay and permanent housing to chronically homeless individuals.
www.urbanpathways.org
