Health Interventions for Homeless People

man with white beard holding a cardboard with the words "seeking human kindness"

Health Interventions for Homeless People

The number of homeless people across the world continues to grow. As it escalates, it creates a network of problems to other issues, particularly in the health section. With the healthcare system being affected, people with no homes are haunted by the increasing mortality rates.

Thus, it is necessary to address this underlying issue. Interventions such as health care programs for these people and promoting beneficial products such as the Delta 8 Cartridge, to spread awareness are necessary.

State of Homelessness

People with no home to stay in significantly increases over time. Based on a report from the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), roughly 1.9 million people across 35 OECD countries are homeless.

Such a huge number creates a chain of problems in today’s society, especially for these people. This increase could also be rooted in several aspects, including poverty, urbanization, lack of income, and even due to natural disasters.

The number of homeless people is also becoming extensive. Its population is now composed of many different types of individuals. There are children, teenagers, and the elderly living on the streets.

In addition, many families, women, disadvantaged groups, and some members of the LGBT+ communities can also suffer from homelessness.

Access to Healthcare

Health is significant in the lives of people. However, homeless people are usually deprived of good health because of their status. This leads to their high rate of mortality. With poor health, these people suffer from physical problems and mental stresses.

For instance, the mortality rate of homeless men between 18 to 64 in Toronto is about 2 to 8 times higher than those who aren’t homeless. This suggests how important access to proper healthcare is to people.

Homelessness also drives the health of individuals on a dramatic slope. Without having a proper house, they are prone to living in a more dangerous environment. As a result, they are more susceptible to diseases, particularly infectious ones.

Other diseases they might get include cardiovascular diseases and respiratory illnesses. Mental health problems are also another issue that most homeless people encounter. This makes suicide prevalent in homeless individuals since they’re more likely to experience a mental breakdown.

Moreover, substance use and abuse are also prevalent in homeless people. This is because they have easier access to drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol than healthy food. In fact, according to studies, about 38% use alcohol, while approximately 24% are dependent on illegal substances.

man wearing grey hoodie and a hat sleeping on the concrete floor beside a cardboard

Measures to Improve Health Among Homeless People

With the rise of health issues in homeless people, it’s imperative to build interventions to give them better access to healthcare. Some of these interventions are the following:

  • housing
  • mental health support
  • income assistance
  • medical home
  • case management; and
  • harm reduction.

With these, homeless people can better care for their health. With the help of various healthcare institutions and the support of other communities, the mortality rates among these people can also be reduced.

Conclusion

It is not only an act of compassion but also a social responsibility to attend to the health needs of the homeless. The difficulties homeless people face in getting access to quality healthcare are growing along with the number of homeless people worldwide. The need for focused interventions is highlighted by the disproportionately high death rates in this population.

We can start addressing the various health needs of homeless people by offering housing, income assistance, mental health support, medical homes, case management, and harm reduction techniques. Along with improving their mental and physical health, these interventions also lower mortality rates and create opportunities for better lives.

To guarantee the effectiveness and long-term viability of these interventions, it is also crucial to organize cooperative efforts among healthcare facilities, governmental bodies, nonprofit groups, and community stakeholders. By working together and being dedicated to social justice, we can create a future in which everyone, including those who are homeless, has equal access to the basic right to health.

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