Central City Concern (CCC), a leading provider of social services in Portland, is enhancing its commitment to community health by relocating its Recuperative Care Program (RCP). The program is moving to a new site at 8225 NE Wasco Street, the former Comfort Inn, to better serve individuals needing medical and housing support after hospital discharge. This move will significantly expand the reach of the Recuperative Care Program Portland, addressing a growing need for post-hospitalization care in a supportive environment.
The Recuperative Care Program Portland plays a crucial role in the healthcare ecosystem by offering a bridge for individuals transitioning from hospital care back into the community. Participants in the program are directly referred from local hospitals, health plans, and outpatient providers. They receive tailored support at the facility for an average stay of four to six weeks, focusing on recovery and stability. The relocation to the larger, 66-unit facility from its current location within the Blackburn Center at 122nd Avenue and E Burnside Street is a direct response to the program consistently operating at its 51-participant capacity.
This expansion is vital as the Recuperative Care Program Portland currently faces a waitlist of 25 to 35 patients, highlighting the urgent demand for these services. Beyond simply offering more space, the new location at NE 82nd Avenue provides enhanced accessibility, a key factor for individuals in recovery. The site’s adjacency to a Max station and the 72 Bus line is a significant advantage for clients, many of whom experience mobility challenges. Jordan Wilhelms, director of CCC’s RCP program, emphasized this point, stating, “Having access to public transportation is critical to their recovery.” This improved access ensures that participants can more easily attend follow-up appointments and connect with essential community resources, contributing to their overall well-being and successful recovery.
The Recuperative Care Program Portland delivers a critical intervention for individuals who lack adequate support systems after hospital discharge. This medical respite care is particularly essential in preventing relapses and hospital readmissions, especially for those experiencing homelessness or unstable housing situations who may not have access to primary or specialized outpatient care. By providing on-site primary care and pharmacy support at the new facility, Central City Concern removes barriers to immediate and consistent healthcare for Recuperative Care Program Portland participants. These integrated services are designed to promote healing and stability during a vulnerable period. Significantly, the healthcare and pharmacy services presently offered at the Blackburn Center will remain at the E Burnside Street location, ensuring continuity of care. The space vacated by the RCP at the Blackburn Center will potentially be repurposed to expand the supportive housing program already operating there, further amplifying Central City Concern’s positive impact on the community.
Central City Concern’s Recuperative Care Program Portland has been a pioneering initiative since its inception in 2005. It has become a nationally recognized model for medical respite care. “We were early adopters of the medical respite care service and are routinely visited by governmental and organizational representatives from cities all over the country looking to replicate the model,” explained Wilhelms. The program’s success is rooted in its comprehensive approach, connecting participants with necessary healthcare, stabilizing their health conditions, and facilitating access to vital housing support. This 24/7 support system offers a crucial referral pathway for medical providers seeking appropriate post-hospital care for patients experiencing homelessness or those needing continued recovery from acute or chronic conditions.
For many individuals with stable housing and support networks, post-hospital care is managed at home. However, this option is not available to everyone, making the Recuperative Care Program Portland an indispensable resource. Key partners such as OHSU, Providence, and Health Share rely on the program to ensure at-risk patients are discharged to a safe and supportive environment conducive to recovery. Moreover, programs like the Recuperative Care Program Portland demonstrate significant cost savings for the healthcare system, freeing up valuable hospital beds. By providing a medical respite option, the program prevents extended hospital stays solely due to a lack of a safe discharge destination.
Central City Concern is actively engaging with neighborhood and business associations to ensure a smooth integration of the Recuperative Care Program Portland into its new location. Individuals with questions are encouraged to contact Juliana Lukasik, Senior Director of Public Affairs at CCC, via email at [email protected]. This proactive community engagement underscores CCC’s commitment to transparency and collaboration as they expand this vital service in Portland.
