Social Services

Social services are provided to Thundermist patients based upon need and the eligibility criteria of each program.

Social services include:

• Outreach & Enrollment Workers: O & E Workers assist Rhode Island residents in completing applications for health insurance through HealthSource RI.  When necessary, they help these individuals obtain the necessary documentation paperwork, upload the application to HSRI, troubleshoot problems and track the progress of the application process.
• Case Management Services: Case management covers a broad range of services provided to Thundermist patients. Additionally, Social Service staff members assist patients and providers through advocacy efforts, outreach, patient tracking and coordination with other community-based treatment agencies.
• Prescription Assistance: Social services staff assist currently active patients in obtaining necessary medical and psychiatric medications through:
  – Discount pricing through partnerships with pharmacies
  – Pharmacy assistance programs
  – Pharmaceutical company prescription samples
• Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program: Patients living with HIV are offered the following services:
  – Medical care
  – Dental care
  – Coordination with HIV clinical trials
  – Behavioral health counseling
  – Prevention counseling
  – Nutritional assessment and counseling
  – Pharmacy consultation
  – Adherence counseling
  – Thundermist patients are also provided with free,  confidential HIV testing through this program

Thundermist has a comprehensive outreach program to ensure service providers who work with unhoused individuals know about the services we offer. We conduct outreach in shelters, communal meal sites, residential treatment programs, and other areas where unhoused people may congregate. Our case managers provide application assistance for social service programs and when appropriate may work with our housing support team.

Additionally, we provide case management services to unhoused patients. Our social workers and medical providers make referrals to community-based organizations that provide substance use services. Referrals may include detoxification, methadone maintenance, access to suboxone, residential treatment, and a variety of outpatient services.

We also coordinate care and referrals with local organizations  for ancillary support services. Staff meet with these partners regularly to ensure that adequate referral systems exist and collaborate to reduce barriers to services and to ensure continuity of care for patients. We participate in coalitions and groups that ensure continuity of care and/or advocate on behalf of people who are unhoused.