Healthcare looks like a variety of things. It looks like visiting the doctor for a check-up or going to your local pharmacy for over-the-counter medication. But it also looks like finding a place to lay your head at night. One may not initially think of shelter as a form of healthcare, but it truly is, which is why this year’s National Health Center Week kicks off focusing on Public Health in Housing.  Â
The Public Housing Primary Care Program, also known as PHPC, is designed to provide public housing residents with health care. When individuals are focused on providing shelter for themselves and/or their families, their health isn’t a priority. This is why some community health centers receive grants to help ensure this population gets the necessary care. According to the National Center for Public Health Housing, in 2021, more than 5.7 million patients at community health centers were patients that lived in or around public housing. Â
Many health centers have made it a part of their mission to serve this specific community, including MyCHN. At MyCHN, we recognize the effects of social determinants of health(SDOH) and an amazing SDOH and Eligibility team ready to work with patients. These teams ensure that patients who need extra help in other areas of their life receive that help. If it’s financial, our eligibility team works to find which insurance and programs can help pay for medical care. If it’s shelter and food-based, our SDOH team refers patients to food pantries and shelters. In addition, the team will take the time to make sure that the patient is aware of other resources that are available to them from other organizations in their community.  Â
During this National Health Center Week, we must recognize and raise awareness of public health in housing. Everyone, no matter their situation, should have access to adequate health care, which is what we provide at MyCHN. Â
Check out what we did for Public Health In Housing Day.
Tolulope Ayoola
Tolulope Ayoola is the creative marketing content writer at MyCHN. She graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a degree in Technical Communications. Her goal and mission is to make healthcare patient content more relatable and interesting to interact with. She combines her creative eye with her technical communication skills to create content for patients. Tolu's past work includes creating blogs, press releases, and social media content for different sectors. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, and listening to music & podcasts.
