Individuals who are homeless are some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Tied into that vulnerability is a distrust of systems that have sometimes treated them poorly. Therefore this training is meant to address some of the causes of homelessness that might affect how patients view us, so that as service providers we can better support our most vulnerable patients. The core of the talk will work to help attendees better appreciate the complexity of homelessness in order to help frame a compassionate approach to those suffering. Topics to be addressed include:
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Burden of medical and behavioral health issues borne by the chronically homeless
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Relationship between trauma and homelessness – cause, context, and consequence
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Pervasiveness of trauma in society, and it's correlation with health
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Trauma informed care practice, harm reduction philosophy, and motivational interviewing techniques
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Application of trauma informed care practices in service of homeless persons
Presenting will be Kevin Sullivan, MD, Physician with Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. As a physician on the Street Team, Dr. Sullivan sees patients on street rounds, on home visits, at Massachusetts General Hospital, at the Boston Night Center, and at the Barbara McInnis House, a 104-bed respite facility for patients experiencing homelessness. In conjunction with the Crimson Care Collaborative, Dr. Sullivan developed and oversees a program for MD, NP, and PA students to provide care to patients at the Boston Night Center.
To register, please send an email to me at dcollier@glss.net .
Registration spaces are offered on a first come first served basis.
There is no charge for this training.
Thank you so much.
Dan Collier
Conversations for Caring
