Providence Program Extends Service to Valley Homeless

Providence Health and Services has begun funding a partnership with Tarzana Treatment Centers to treat homeless patients at emergency departments at three Providence hospitals in the Valley. Providence’s Well Being Trust recently made a $600,000 grant to place homeless advocates at Providence Tarzana Medical Center, Providence Holy Cross in Missions Hills and Providence Saint Joseph in Burbank. Advocates help patients find temporary housing, addiction treatment and other resources. Since the initiative began last month, 11 patients have been treated. The program was developed by Providence Tarzana Chief Executive Dale Surowitz after Los Angeles City Councilman Bob Blumenfield urged hospital leaders to provide more resources to treat L.A.’s homeless population. “Providence Tarzana and our sister hospitals here in the Valley are committed to caring for the poor and vulnerable, and because of our long-term relationship with Tarzana Treatment Centers we know this new partnership is a significant step forward,” Surowitz said in a statement. “I’d especially like to thank Councilman Blumenfield and his staff for their support. These very complex issues can only be solved through teamwork and cooperation.”