A single morning phone update for each shelter entailed eleven calls to or from other shelters. Providers work together more efficiently using existing phone and fax technology to provide a seamless process for the survivor. Phase I involves ten metro area battered women's shelters and Medformation. At three agreed upon times during each day of the pilot, each shelter faxes to Medformation the number of beds they have available at that time and the largest family size it can accommodate. Thirty minutes later, Medformation faxes a current, consolidated information listing of metro-area shelter availability back to each shelter.
Survivors still begin the process of locating shelter space by calling an individual shelter.
When more than one shelter has space available, the staff member can match the survivor with the most appropriate shelter available to meet her needs based on her primary language, culture, geographic location and twelve other categories of service. The system will allow shelters to post and view the same information provided to and received from Medformation. This site is presented for information only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Use of this site is subject to a Disclaimer . Presentation and Design Copyright 2000 Allina Health System.