1. HMIS 101: INTRODUCTION TO HMIS
Melinda Bussino
PATH Program, Brattleboro (VT) Area Drop In Center

2. HISTORY OF VT PATH HMIS When we began Why we began Barriers we found
Successes we have achieved

3. INTRODUCING HMIS Getting buy-in from various potential players
Who in your state may already use HMIS?
How can you rally supporters?
Who can fund your HMIS?

4. AGENCY LEVEL ISSUES Approaching key players at the Agency level
Board members
Staff
Program Participants
Funders

5. Talking Points Data driven issues such as HEARTH
Funding driven issues such as provable statistics
Centralization of information
Customization of HMIS Software
Reducing duplication of efforts for staff, and redundancy for program participants

6. CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS
Confidentiality issues and questions
Learning curve for staff in entering data
Need to have intakes follow the same pattern as the HMIS data screens
Timeliness of data entry
Need for up to date hardware and software

7. CONCLUSIONS Worth the effort…because……… Where to start………….
Possibilities for the future………