2022 Pinnacle Award Recipient Daily Planet Health Services

2022 Pinnacle Award Recipient: Daily Planet Health Services

Nonprofit Organizaion-Association-Public/Private Partnerships Award

 

 

Established in 1969, Daily Planet Health Services (DPHS) is a federally qualified health center providing health and human services to individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Richmond, Virginia and surrounding counties. Comprehensive care services including medical, mental health, oral health and case management are provided via an integrated team model. DPHS’ medical team consists of physicians, NPs, PAs, pharmacists, and health educators. The mental health team includes a psychiatrist, mental health NPs, pharmacists, clinical psychologists, LCSWs, peer recovery specialists and LPCS who treat serious mental illness and substance use disorder. The case management and outreach teams address social determinants of health within our clinics and during street outreach. All services are offered on a sliding-fee schedule based on income, ensuring patients can receive care regardless of their ability to pay. DPHS works to connect patients to stable benefits with Medicaid, Medicare and the Ryan White program.

Currently, DPHS provides services at ten locations, including partnerships at two CARITAS locations, Henrico Area Mental Health East and West, two residential programs at Safe Haven and Medical Respite, and one mobile medical unit. DPHS’ three permanent sites are in federally designated Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) for medical care and a Health Professional Shortage Area for the City of Richmond for medical, dental and mental health. DPHS is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a Level III Patient-Centered Medical Home.

In 2021, DPHS served 9,277 unique patients across 45,274 encounters. Among patients who chose to disclose their income, 92% live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level; 42% are uninsured; 43% of insured are Medicare or Medicaid recipients; and 13% private insurance. Twenty-eight percent identify as Hispanic and 40% identify as black, indigenous and people of color. The majority of DPHS patients have multiple chronic health conditions, co-occurring behavioral health disorders, and poor oral health, all of which require extensive care and follow up to improve outcomes. They also face numerous barriers to care including transportation, lack of access to nutritious foods, and the inability to adhere to treatment protocols.

DPHS established an academic-community partnership with the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Pharmacy in 2005. Two VCU faculty members maintain a practice at DPHS and train student pharmacists and community-based pharmacy residents. Pharmacist services have greatly expanded and are comprehensive and innovative to assist patients and caregivers in achieving better outcomes from medications.

 

Together we are connecting the dots for those in need.

 

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