*All videos are Closed Captioned on Youtube*
Anaira noted Maritza’s baby seemed happy and well cared for, but during her observations, she became concerned about Martiza when she noticed changes in Martiza’s self-care.
Care Coordinator Anaira Mont-Santiago completed face-to-face monitoring visits with Maritza* each month before COVID-19.
Martiza lives with her mother, other family members and her newborn baby. While Martiza’s mother assists in providing care for Martiza and the rest of family, Martiza is the main caretaker of her baby.
Anaira noted Maritza’s baby seemed happy and well cared for, but during her observations, she became concerned about Martiza when she noticed changes in Martiza’s self-care. Anaira presented the benefits therapy may bring to Maritza, and Maritza was open to receiving this service. Anaira found a therapist near Martiza’s house covered by Martiza’s insurance, and assisted in connecting Martiza to the therapist.
Now, Anaira shares that Martiza no longer has post-partum depression and is taking better care of herself. Maritza reports feeling happier and learning skills to help her cope better with every day challenges.
- Laura Webb, SC: HCS Support Services Team Leader
*The name of the client has been altered to safeguard the client’s privacy.
The Home and Community-based Services program provides individualized services and supports to persons with intellectual disabilities who are living with their family, in their own home or in other community settings, such as small group homes.
Eileen is a 24 year-old woman diagnosed with a severe intellectual and developmental disability. Because of her diagnosis, Eileen has had to endure several unique challenges. One challenge in particular has caused Eileen some distress over the years - not being able to control her urination and defecation, having to wear supportive undergarments since she was an infant.
Javier* was referred to the Respite, Rehabilitation and Re-Entry center by the Coalition of the Homeless. He had experienced chronic homelessness for over 20 years, and also faced substance abuse challenges and bipolar disorder.
We are pleased to announce the expansion of The Harris Center's Primary Care Services, in close partnership with The University of Houston's College of Medicine. This service is designed to help clients reach health-related goals, provide access to health coaching, offer healthcare screenings, transportation to and from your scheduled healthcare visits and so much more.
The Harris Center has partnered with Optum Integrated Behavioral Health Home to bring clients personalized care services. This cost-free service is designed to help clients reach health-related goals, providing access to health coaching, healthcare screenings, transportation to and from your scheduled healthcare visits and so much more. Our whole-person approach will help clients achieve positive outcomes in both their physical and mental health.
The COVID-19 disaster is having a detrimental impact on the ability of homeless individuals with mental illness to find a safe place to shelter following stabilization and discharge from inpatient crisis psychiatric treatment.
Representative Garnet Coleman proposed utilizing an existing state Healthy Community Collaborations grant to enable three local organizations to provide transition shelter and supporting services for homeless people who have mental illness. The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, UTHealth Harris County Psychiatric Center and Open Door Mission will join forces to open a 24-hour facility with 28 beds.
HOUSTON, October 1, 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the vulnerability of individuals who are homeless and have mental illnesses. It is not only the unhealthy conditions on the streets that make the unsheltered homeless “at-risk” to COVID-19; most suffer from underlying, chronic health conditions. An estimated 15-25% of individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Harris County and the greater Houston area suffer from severe mental health issues making it difficult for city, county and local partners to quickly assist and house them out of harm’s way. Social distancing requirements have also reduced homeless shelter capacity. These extremely acute individuals have a large impact on first responders and hospitals by routinely requiring emergency intervention. These individuals increase the risk of COVID-19 exposure to first responders and the community
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The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD strives to provide high quality, efficient, and cost effective services so that persons with mental disabilities may live with dignity as fully functioning, participating, and contributing members of our community, regardless of their ability to pay based on a sliding scale rate schedule. Privacy Statement Contact Us