The VA’s Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (HPACT) program delivers integrated primary care, mental health, substance use treatment, and housing services directly to homeless veterans at VA medical centers and clinics nationwide. At the Ralph H. Johnson VA in Charleston, South Carolina, this includes mobile medical units and telehealth to overcome barriers like lack of transportation, addresses, or support systems. These efforts align with VA’s Housing First approach, prioritizing stable housing to improve health outcomes and reduce emergency visits by up to 31% for enrolled veterans.
Key Challenges
Homeless veterans often rely on emergency rooms due to isolation, no access to medications, or inability to attend appointments. Rural locations and…..