ProposaltoAddressHealthDisparitiesamongtheHomelessPopulationinFloridaPracticumpart2
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Proposal to Address Health Disparities among the Homeless Population in Florida
Part 2
Proposal to Address Health Disparities among the Homeless Population in Florida
To: Florida Area Leaders
From: Donna Dyal, Student Health Researcher
Date: 10/28/2023
Subject: Reducing Health Disparities among Florida’s Homeless Population
1. Description of the Disparity
In 2022, Florida was home to approximately 25,810 homeless individuals, ranking it third in the
nation for its homeless population (Florida Health CHARTS, 2022). Among this diverse group
that encompasses families, veterans, and the chronically homeless, there exists a significant
health disparity concerning mental health and substance abuse. Data from 2016 illustrates that
33.2% of this population suffers from substance abuse, while 34.2% face mental health
challenges (Homeless Voice, n.d.). This is further accentuated by the reported 33% rise in
mortality rates among the homeless, marking a grave health concern (Florida Phoenix, n.d.).
2. Influences of the Disparity on Healthcare Delivery
The health disparities faced by the homeless population in Florida profoundly affect our
healthcare system:
Strain on Emergency Services:
The homeless frequently resort to emergency departments
for non-emergent issues due to lack of access to regular medical care. This strains
emergency services, diverting resources from genuine emergencies.
Higher Healthcare Costs:
The delayed and fragmented care often received by the
homeless leads to exacerbated health issues, translating into higher costs for the
healthcare system.
Quality of Care:
The substantial health needs of the homeless, coupled with their frequent
use of emergency services, can overstretch healthcare facilities, potentially reducing the
quality of care for all patients.
3. Influences on Similar Populations Globally
The health disparities observed within Florida's homeless population mirror those faced by
similar groups in other countries. Homelessness, coupled with mental health and substance abuse
issues, is a global concern. Countries with significant homeless populations, such as India,
Brazil, and parts of Africa, face similar strains on their healthcare systems (Bowen et al., 2019).
The continuous cycle of poor health outcomes stemming from homelessness serves as a stark
reminder of the universal nature of this challenge and its implications on global health equity.
4. Recommendations
To alleviate this disparity and improve healthcare for the homeless in Florida, I propose the
following recommendations:
Specialized Healthcare Clinics:
Establish clinics focused on serving the homeless
population. These clinics can provide regular check-ups, mental health counseling, and
substance abuse treatment (Bowen et al., 2019). Being tailored for the homeless, they can
also consider flexibility in operating hours and potentially mobile services to reach
scattered populations.
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Nurse Training:
Equip nurses with specialized training to address the unique needs of the
homeless. This can include understanding the social determinants affecting their health,
fostering trust, and guiding them to relevant social services (Koh & O’Connell, 2016).
Preventative Care:
Emphasize and provide preventative healthcare services, like
vaccination drives and regular screenings, targeting common illnesses among the
homeless (Koh & O’Connell, 2016).
Community Partnerships:
Partner with local NGOs, shelters, and community
organizations to ensure a holistic approach (Koh & O’Connell, 2016). Such
collaborations can provide a nexus between housing, healthcare, and other essential
services.
Public Awareness Campaigns:
Launch awareness campaigns highlighting the health
disparities faced by the homeless. This can not only enhance public empathy but also
garner support for initiatives targeting their wellbeing (Koh & O’Connell, 2016).
Leverage Technology:
Utilize telemedicine and mobile apps to provide healthcare
services and resources, especially beneficial given the potential mobility and
transportation challenges faced by the homeless (Koh & O’Connell, 2016).
In conclusion, the health disparities faced by Florida's homeless population are significant and
multifaceted. By addressing them head-on with the proposed strategies, we can not only improve
healthcare for this vulnerable group but also enhance our overall healthcare system, reducing
costs and strains on emergency services. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every
resident, regardless of their housing status, has access to quality healthcare.
Thank you for considering this proposal. I am confident that, with concerted efforts, we can
make meaningful progress in addressing this pressing issue.
References
Bowen, E., Savino, R., & Irish, A. (2019). Homelessness and health disparities: a health equity
lens.
Homelessness prevention and intervention in social work: Policies, programs, and
practices
, 57-83.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334047935_Homelessness_and_Health_Disparities_A_
Health_Equity_Lens
Florida Health CHARTS. (2022). Homeless Estimate, Single Year Alachua Florida. Florida
Department of Health.
https://www.flhealthcharts.gov/ChartsReports/rdPage.aspx?
rdReport=NonVitalIndNoGrpCounts.DataViewer&cid=8675
Florida Phoenix. (n.d.). High mortality rate of homeless highlighted in new report.
https://floridaphoenix.com/2023/04/10/high-mortality-rate-of-homeless-highlighted-in-new-
report/
Homeless Voice. (n.d.). Florida De-Emphasizes Effects of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
https://homelessvoice.org/florida-de-emphasizes-effects-of-mental-health-and-substance-use-on-
homeless-population/
Koh, H. K., & O’Connell, J. J. (2016). Improving health care for homeless
people.
Jama
,
316
(24), 2586-2587.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2594705
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