Medical Services
Homelessness is hazardous to your health. The experience of homelessness causes health problems, exacerbates existing illnesses, and seriously complicates treatment and continuity of care. People without homes are generally sicker than their housed counterparts and, because of restricted access to health care, are three to four times more likely to die prematurely. HCH clients experience high rates of hypertension, asthma, diabetes, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Approximately 75% of HCH clients lack comprehensive health insurance and face tremendous barriers to care elsewhere in the community. 
Health Care for the Homeless provides comprehensive medical services including pediatric, adult, and geriatric primary care, screening, health education, convalescent care, and referrals for specialty medical care. The HCH clinic is staffed with physicians, a physician assistant, nurse practitioners, nurses, certified medical assistants, and support staff. Our partners at Mt. Vernon Pharmacy (to be co-located with HCH in 2010) help us ensure that our clients can fill every prescription written by an HCH provider.
Our comprehensive primary medical care services include:
- Physical examinations
- Immunizations
- Office and laboratory testing
- Care for acute problems
- Treatment for chronic health problems
- HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services
HCH providers teach their clients about health management and disease prevention, with services including:
- Asthma education
- Diabetes education
- Hypertension education
- Confidential HIV counseling, testing, and referral services
The streets are no place to recover from illness or injury: In partnership with Baltimore City and area shelter providers, the HCH Convalescent Care Program provides 24-hour shelter, routine nursing assessment, case management, and recuperative care for individuals with medical conditions not severe enough for hospitalization.
For more information about HCH Medical Services or the Convalescent Care Program, contact us at 410-837-5533 or info@hchmd.org.