The RCPN is the preeminent national voice for those who are simply too ill to languish in the streets. We support the development of new and existing medical respite programs through education, client advocacy, networking and research. In addition to hosting an annual conference and other training events, we provide comprehensive respite resources and information.
The mission of the Respite Care Providers’ Network is to improve the health status of individuals who are homeless by supporting programs that provide medical respite and related services.
Join the Respite Care Providers’ Network
The Respite Care Providers’ Network operates as a Standing Committee of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. We invite your participation at the following levels:
- Join the Respite Care Providers’ Network by becoming an Individual Member of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. On the Individual Membership Application form, simply choose the RCPN membership option, and elect to receive Respite News.
- List your program in the Medical Respite Program Directory. Contact Julia Dobbins for more information.
- Become an Organizational Member of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council.
- Nominate yourself or a colleague to serve on the RCPN Steering Committee. Open positions are announced in January of each year in Respite News and on this webpage.
- Nominate a person, team, or agency for the 2020 Willie J. Mackey National Medical Respite Award.
2019-2020 RCPN Steering Committee (effective July 1, 2019)
The mission of the Respite Care Providers’ Network (RCPN) is to improve the health status of individuals who are homeless by supporting programs that provide medical respite and related services. The RCPN Steering Committee works to achieve this mission.
Donna Biederman, DrPH, MN, RN (VICE CHAIR)
Assistant Professor
Duke University School of Nursing
Durham, NC
Melissa Brown, LICSW
Manager, Edward Thomas House
Harborview Medical Center
Seattle, WA
Kim Despres, BSN, DHA
Faculty
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
Henry Fader, JD
Attorney
Pepper Hamilton LLP
Philadelphia, PA
Joseph Funn
Consumer Representative
Baltimore, MD
LaSonya Kelly, LCSW-C
Manager, Health Care for the Homeless
Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
Rockville, MD
Pamela Kerr, MSW
Program Director
The Boulevard
Chicago, IL
Susannah King, MSW, LICSW
Social Work Unit Supervisor
Hennepin County Health Care for the Homeless
Minneapolis, MN
Brooks Ann McKinney, MSW
Director of Vulnerable Populations
Cone Health and Hospitals/Triad Health Network ACO
Greensboro, NC
David Munson, MD (CHAIR)
Medical Director
Barbara McInnis House
Boston, MA
Annie Nicol, FNP, PA
Director of Homeless Services
Petaluma Health Center
Petaluma, CA
Randy Pinnelli, PA
Program Coordinator
Care Link – Community Medical Centers, Inc.
Stockton, CA
Courtney Pladsen, DNP, FNP
NursePractitioner
Greater Portland Health
Portland, ME
Jordan Wilhelms
Complex Care Program Manager
Central City Concern
Portland, OR
Preston Witt, BA
Chief Services Officer
Harmony House
Houston, TX