The Clallam County (Wash.) Health and Human Services Department will receive $483,320 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to develop a two-year homeless medical respite program, Peninsula Daily News reported Aug. 30.
The program aims to help homeless individuals who are ill or have suffered an injury but do not qualify for hospital care.
Clallam County Health Officer Karissa McLane told the publication that a community needs index showed 1,390 county hospital visits a year are people who are discharged from the hospital but have no shelter and end up back in the hospital. The county scored a four out of five on the national survey that considers barriers regarding income, culture, education, insurance and housing.
The funds will help the program pay for coordinators and supervisors, rent, transportation, equipment, and medical and office supplies at shelters in the county.