b'The loss of employment due to poor health then becomes a vicious cycle: without funds to pay for health care (treatment, medications, surgery, etc.), one cannot heal to work again, and if one remains ill, it is difficult to regain employment. National Health Care for the Homeless CouncilThis is why hospital relationships, which mayfor those experiencing homelessness. Many of also offer possible opportunities to expand clinicalthe emergency room staff know the regulars who services in your facility, are important for thecome to your shelter. The staff can be great advo-residents of your program. On a micro level, rela- cates for your ministry, and they can encourage tionships with case managers and/or dischargeexecutive leadership to meet with you. planners at your local hospital are a great way to start positive communication. These people meetConnecting with leadership one-on-one with patients entering the emergencyI f you are able to schedule a meeting withroom and/or an inpatient bed. The case managerhospital administrators or staff, here are some can be a great contact to ensure that medications,ideas on how to prepare. appointments, and specialty services are set up Before you jump in, have a basic grasp of before patients leave when discharged. Such serv- hospital policy/regulations, and a baseline ices support your clients success in meetingknowledge of how your program can benefit positive health outcomes and avoiding anotherthose who are discharged. Some topics to visit. Also, these hospital clinicians can be the onesresearch are listed later in this article. who can order equipment, home health services, or other resources in the community that some-Try to gain support of hospital leadershipif times can be a challenge for patients to receive.they are champions for the partnership, then On a macro level, many times administratorsthat will spread throughout the hospital system. are looking for opportunities in the community to Come prepared with numbers of how many collaborate and reduce readmissions. This can beresidents you serve and, if possible, how many an opportunity for your program to be includedof them have entered the hospital in the last in possible funding or services that can enable youryear. These figures will speak for themselves. clients to receive medical services at no cost. Ask about collaborative opportunities from the Hospital relationships are critical forbeginning, and encourage hospital staff to come ministries and other shelters due to the samevisit your site and meet the people you serve.vulnerable population served. Reach out to the leader of social work, chief medical officer, or Designate one of your staff with the role of anyone you may know who can be an advocatebuilding relationships between the hospital \x02 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG 21'