A Personal Perspective on a Systemic Issue
In this paper, I am going to address a problem that has hurt our healthcare system: homeless people’s frequent use of the emergency room. I see these people’s struggle, desperation, and the never-ending cycle they encounter as an ER nurse. Their ongoing struggles serve as a continual reminder of the interdependence of social services, healthcare, and the imperative need for comprehensive policies that protect the most vulnerable members of our society.
Homelessness as a Public Health Crisis
A serious public health concern, homelessness is more than just a social problem. According to studies, homeless people are more likely to develop chronic illnesses such as HIV, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and diabetes than the general population (Linkins et al., 2008).
Complex Health Needs and ER Overdependence
Additionally, among this at-risk population, co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders are common (Zerger, 2005). These complex health demands are unmet, worsening their situation and raising the cost of public health for the entire population. Unfortunately, emergency rooms frequently bear the responsibility of meeting these medical demands.
We are legally required to treat everyone, regardless of their financial situation. As a result, the costs associated with the homeless community’s healthcare considerably impact the healthcare system and taxpayers (Linkins et al., 2008). Furthermore, more often than not, ER treatment is only a stopgap for more complicated medical problems that need all-encompassing and ongoing care.
The Growing Challenge of Chronic Homelessness
Additionally, it appears that the issue of long-term homelessness is getting worse. The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates that on any night, about 643,067 homeless people live in America (End Homelessness, 2023). They frequently attend emergency rooms because of their everyday social, mental, and physical problems, as well as their limited access to routine healthcare. This ongoing reliance on emergency rooms puts a strain on hospital resources. It exposes our society’s structural shortcomings in addressing the root causes of homelessness.
From Problem to Solution: Housing as Healthcare
Let us now change our attention from the issue to the resolution. How can this cycle be broken? The research points to stable housing as one of the most successful strategies. Housing is a powerful type of healthcare. When homeless individuals have secure housing, they are more likely to receive and respond to interventions for their physical and mental health issues, ultimately leading to fewer emergency room trips (Zerger, 2005). Together, we can make homes and healing environments out of dwellings.
Texas’s Efforts and the Need for a Holistic Approach
The state of Texas has already taken steps in this direction. For low-income renters, efforts are being made to develop affordable housing options (Every Texan, 2023). It is crucial to remember that there needs to be more than having a place to live. It is essential to offer interdisciplinary, supportive services that address primary healthcare, substance misuse, and mental health concerns (Linkins et al., 2008). In other words, we must adopt a holistic strategy that meets the homeless population’s housing and healthcare needs.
Call to Action: A Shared Responsibility for Lasting Change
As medical professionals, civic leaders, and concerned citizens, I implore each of you to support all-encompassing solutions to homelessness. Our efforts should focus on housing and developing a long-term assistance network that considers this group’s particular requirements. By doing this, we will relieve pressure on our emergency rooms and uphold everyone’s worth and dignity, regardless of where they live.
References
End Homelessness. (2023). National Alliance to End Homelessness. National Alliance to End Homelessness. Web.
Every Texan. (2023). Home – Every Texan | Formerly the Center for Public Policy Priorities. Web.
Linkins, K. W., Brya, J. J., Chandler, D. W., & Group, L. (2008). Frequent Users of Health Services Initiative: Final Evaluation Report. The Lewin Group.
Zerger, S. (2005). Learning about Homelessness & Health in Your Community: A Data Resource Guide. National Health Care for the Homeless Council.