Supportive Housing Abstract
"Wellness Works" will promote health and independence among previously chronically homeless persons diagnosed with mental illness (or co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness) who have, or are at risk of, serious medical conditions or illnesses, by providing integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment, a range of lifestyle interventions, and medical, vocational, educational and employment supports. Existing case management services in the applicant’s permanent supportive housing will be expanded and enhanced with the addition of a Community Mental Health Nurse and a Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), and by the application of Wellness Self-Management, Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT), chronic disease management protocols, and nutritional, lifestyle, and smoking cessation interventions. These enhancements will make it possible to address and coordinate mental health and substance abuse treatment care, primary health care, and lifestyle factors (smoking, nutrition, physical activity, sexual activity, etc.)—to improve the quality of recipients' lives, increase their life expectancy, and assure their stability in housing. The targeted population is 71% male and 93% heterosexual; the ethnic/racial distribution is 58% African-American, 26% Caucasian, and 24% Latino. The average age is 51. Seventy-four percent have a history of substance abuse; 34% are diagnosed with major depressive disorders; 32% with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 23% with bipolar disorder. Diagnosed co-morbid medical conditions include: 17% asthma; 19% diabetes; 19% hepatitis C; 22% high cholesterol; 29% hypertension and. 33% anemia, arthritis, or obesity. Almost 50% of the populations are current smokers, and 11% have a history .of nicotine addiction. In the first year, 45 individuals will be served, 30 more will be added in the following year, and 20 more in each subsequent year, for a total of 135 unduplicated participants. The project's objectives include: reductions in smoking, drug/alcohol abuse, and other high-risk behaviors; decreased incidence of preventable health/mental health/substance abuse-related crises requiring emergency intervention; improved access to and use of primary care services, including health screenings and treatment of chronic conditions; and increased adherence to treatment and lifestyle recommendations associated with the management of chronic illnesses and conditions. Achievement of these outcomes will ultimately result in greater psychiatric stability, increased retention in housing, and better traction toward recovery.