Access to Healthcare for the Homeless

Access to Healthcare for the Homeless

In order to address the numerous issues associated with homelessness, it is essential that the homeless have access to health care. A lot of obstacles frequently stand in the way of homeless people getting access to quality healthcare treatments. This disadvantaged population is more susceptible to a number of health issues as a result of things like being outside in inclement weather, not having access to sanitary facilities, and having trouble finding nutritious food. All of these issues, primarily caused by lack of healthcare, really contribute to the cycle of poverty. The homeless community stresses out public resources and continues to face many challenges regarding their health, being unable to find a stable house. Overall, overcoming these obstacles is necessary to guarantee that the homeless receive timely and thorough access to healthcare.

Identifying the issue

For those who are homeless, insufficient healthcare and homelessness are related problems that sustain an endless cycle of poverty. Homeless people often face obstacles such as a lack of identity papers, restricted transit choices, and mental health problems, all of which make it harder for them to have access to healthcare services. It's difficult for healthcare professionals to build long-term bonds with this population because they don't have a fixed residence and their living circumstances are unpredictable. Furthermore, the circumstances that the homeless face may result in prejudice in medical settings, discouraging people from getting the care they require. The health issues that homeless people experience are made worse by a lack of treatment.  Chronic conditions, mental health issues, and substance abuse disorders often go untreated, leading to more severe health complications over time. Then, the emergency room becomes the primary source of healthcare for many homeless individuals, resulting in higher healthcare costs and an inefficient use of resources. This not only takes a toll on the health of the homeless population but also places a burden on the healthcare system for overall society.

Possible Solutions

Addressing the issue of access to healthcare for the homeless requires collaboration involving government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare providers, and the community. Some key strategies to improve healthcare access for the homeless include outreach programs to connect with homeless individuals directly in their communities. For instance, mobile healthcare units and outreach teams can provide on-the-spot medical services, distribute essential supplies, and establish trust with the homeless population. Incorporating healthcare services inside homeless shelters also ensures that people have easy access to medical care, mental health services, and drug abuse treatment. In addition, establishing free or inexpensive healthcare clinics geared exclusively for the homeless population will also be helpful in addressing their needs. In addition to general care, these clinics should provide preventive care, addiction treatment, mental health assistance, and other services. Mental health has been a growing issue for the homeless population, so providing mental health support is essential. We can begin this movement by raising funds to offer better and more accessible mental health treatments.

In conclusion, addressing access to healthcare for the homeless is a difficult challenge that requires many people. However, by implementing targeted outreach, establishing shelter-based services, providing affordable clinics, prioritizing mental health support, and sustaining community collaboration, we can work towards breaking the cycle of poverty and inadequate healthcare for the homeless. We must ensure that everyone, regardless of their housing status, has access to the healthcare they deserve.

References

Public Health Care & Service Delivery | The Homeless Hub. (n.d.). https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/service-provision/public-health-care-service-delivery

How Can We Improve Healthcare Access for the Homeless? | The Homeless Hub. (n.d.). https://www.homelesshub.ca/resource/how-can-we-improve-healthcare-access-homeless

Health Care Services for Homeless People. (n.d.). Homelessness, Health, and Human Needs - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK218235/