How to Address Patients’ Social and Legal Needs During COVID-19 

Hospitals and health systems are forming partnerships to create a network of services that better address the social and legal needs of vulnerable populations. These medical-legal partnerships are advancing health equity and improving community health and well-being. Medical-legal services include activities such as screening for legal needs so patients can be connected to on-site or community resources and offering in-house training for providers and staff so they’re aware of the availability of services associated with social determinants of health. Hear several organizations describe their programs to address patients' unmet legal needs and how COVID-19 has shaped the focus of medical-legal partnerships. 

Panelists:

• Katie Feldman, Managing Attorney, Health and Opportunity Practice, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
• Thom Olmstead, Director, External Affairs, St. Vincent Charity Medical Center
• Genevieve Birkby, program manager, Rainbow Center for Women and Children, University Hospitals

Moderator:

• Susan Solomon, Group Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, American Hospital Association