Iowa Primary Care Association’s Post

Out today in JAMA Internal Medicine https://lnkd.in/gHhaDUJc We find that #violence against people experiencing #homelessness is 30x ⬆️ than what the general public experiences each year. Using data from the #CAHomelessnessStudy, we find: ➡️ exposure to violence immediately proceeding homelessness, ➡️ unsheltered homelessness requiring people to sleep outdoors, ➡️ childhood abuse, and ➡️ regular drug use were associated with experiencing violence during the current episode of homelessness Clinicians can utilize: 🩺 universal provision of violence-related treatment resources, 🩺 #traumainformedcare that emphasizes survivor safety & self-agency, and 🩺 knowledge and provision of housing resources to help break the cycle of violence that is exacerbated by homelessness Policy priorities include improving access to: 💡 non-congregate shelter, 💡 affordable and supportive permanent housing with services that are appropriate for survivors of violence and those with behavioral health conditions, and 💡long-term funding for violence prevention and recovery 🙏 Coauthors: Margot Kushel MD, Cheyenne Garcia, Jennafer Birkmeyer, Angelica DeGaetano UCSF Benioff Homelessness & Housing Initiative UCSF Action Research Center for Health Equity at ZSFG University of California, San Francisco Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center

Individuals facing homelessness often suffer from increased rates of chronic and acute illnesses, behavioral health issues, and other disparities that heighten their susceptibility to poor health, disability, and premature death. Homeless Health Care (HCH) programs offer extensive primary and behavioral health care, along with case management and additional supportive services tailored to the needs of those without secure housing. These services emphasize trauma-informed care approaches, prioritizing healing, autonomy, safety, and trust, empowering individuals to advocate for their own well-being. #NHCW24 #P1H

Nearly half of California's homeless population is now over 50, with their numbers and needs rapidly increasing. An aging general population and a severe affordable housing shortage require urgent action to tackle this crisis. 🌟💔 📝 Highlights: Aging Crisis: Nearly half of California's homeless are over 50, facing severe health challenges. Health Issues: Older homeless individuals often experience chronic diseases, mobility issues, and cognitive decline. Economic Factors: High housing costs and low incomes are key contributors; the typical income for older homeless people is $920/month, while the median rent for a studio apartment is $1,656. Urgent Solutions: Recommendations include building more affordable housing, expanding rental assistance programs, and boosting mental health and addiction services. As a dedicated C-store broker, I keep you informed on important community and housing trends, highlighting the need for practical solutions to support our vulnerable populations. 📊 #realestatenews #HomelessnessAwareness #californiahousing #affordablehousingforall #communitysupport

The Homelessness and Inclusion Health Barometer 2024 published today is a first of its kind report from Pathway - Homeless and Inclusion Health and Crisis which reveals the national crisis facing both our health and housing systems. To download the report in full, click here: https://bit.ly/3PdTyF4 

We published our first Barometer of Homeless and Inclusion Health, with our brilliant colleagues at Crisis. It shows just how bad things have got for people on the very margins of British society, how much pressure services are under, and how in so many areas things are getting worse. Professor Michael Marmot closed our conference yesterday with a forensic review of how years of so-called austerity have hurt, and hurt those with the least the most. "The UK is an awful place to be poor." Our report also highlights how in lots of places specialist services battle to protect their patients from the 'harsh environment' that is modern Britain, but also how much collectively we know about what works and what could make a difference. We've now got a decent Inclusion Health framework from NHS England and NICE guidance on what works. What we need is Government leadership and action (including secure funding for services) for the things that work, and for Government to stop doing all the stuff that actively makes the situation worse.

The housing-first approach to addressing homelessness allows individuals to prioritize their recovery and well-being by meeting their basic needs. Housing First does not require individuals experiencing homelessness to address their challenges, including behavioral health issues, before gaining access to stable housing. This dignified approach recognizes that providing housing as a first step can lead to better physical and mental outcomes for individuals in need. #MHAM

On March 19th, Chicago will be voting on the passage of Bring Chicago Home (Ballot Issue #1). When we talk about root solutions to health disparities, decreasing homelessness is critical; 33% of behavorial health hospital discharges our Collaborative works with are experiencing homelessness. Unhoused psychiatric patients have the highest rates of rehospitalization and longer lengths of stay. For many people experiencing homelessness, managing any other health and wellness needs becomes exponentially more difficult. Hospitalization shouldn't be the default option for individuals without resources, and homelessness shouldn't be a consequence of untreated mental health conditions. The Bring Chicago Home coaltion has crafted a solution that will ensure over $100 Million in housing supports through a one-time tax on the sale of homes over $1 Million, while no other tax payers will be impacted. #endhomlessness #bringchicagohome #communitysupport www.bringchicagohome.org

A new study in JAMA Internal Medicine from our #CAHomelessnessStudy sheds light on the alarming rates of violence faced by people experiencing homelessness. Anita Hargrave MD, MAS, Margot Kushel MD, Cheyenne Garcia, Jenna Birkmeyer, Maria Angelica DeGaetano, M.Phil, LL.M. 🆘 Key Findings: • Over 1 in 3 (38%) experienced violence while homeless, compared to just 1% of the general population. • Nearly 3 in 4 (74%) faced violence at some point in their lives. • Risk factors included sleeping outdoors, childhood abuse, and drug use. 💡 Why It Matters: People experiencing homelessness urgently need safer housing options, trauma-informed care, and long-term violence prevention strategies. 📢 Take Action: Clinicians should prioritize early detection of violence and provide resources for trauma recovery. Policymakers must invest in noncongregate shelters and supportive housing to break the cycle of violence. 🔗 Learn more about the findings & recommendations here:https://lnkd.in/gs874NJ8 Read the accompanying editorial: https://lnkd.in/gqrKDPtx Read more about violence & homelessness: https://lnkd.in/gbMhA_5V

Food, mental health or creative arts? What would you be able to do if you had equal benefits? For under 25s at risk of homelessness, the benefits system is not fair. They don't get the same housing benefit or universal credit and the amount of hours they are able to work is less that adults. So for World Homelessness Day and we are continuing the call to #EndYouthHomelessness by creating a fairer benefits system for young people affected by homelessness. #MakeWorkPay #PlanForThe136k #WorldHomelessnessDay

MN Homeless Study finding: Though the Twin Cities has a larger homeless population, those experiencing homelessness in greater Minnesota often face deeper challenges that perpetuate the cycle of homelessness, like trauma, violence, and health problems. Read more key findings about homelessness in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota at https://lnkd.in/e8EFqjTj #homelessness #Minnesota #data #community #HomelessnessData #2023MNHomelessStudy