Dr. James Hardy Wins UCSF Caring Wisely Projects Contest

Dr. James Hardy, Assistant Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine, received a grant through the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) via the Center for Health Quality and Innovation (CHQI) for a project aimed at reducing ED boarding times for patients with psychiatric/substance abuse issues while, at the same time, improving out-patient care for these patients. The funding helps to pay for beds in a pre-existing community detox program at The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center where medically-cleared and stabilized patients receive food, shelter, clothing, counseling and next-day psychiatry appointments. Dr. Hardy’s proposal to expand the UCSF-Harbor Light partnership beyond the ED won the 5th annual UCSF Caring Wisely Award in 2017. If the proposal is put into action, admitted homeless patients with behavioral health issues would have access to The Harbor Light Center. The goal will be earlier and safer discharge for this at-risk population.