Safe States Alliance’s Post

Community Solutions, Inc. just published Five Key Learnings from the State Public Health & Homelessness Playbook. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on data: "Without shared data, the health and homeless response systems cannot properly coordinate care for individuals and drive the systems-level changes that can improve housing and health outcomes at the population level. Data coordination and integration is the key to creating effective and responsive public policy solutions that impact population and community health, while providing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to drive future policy and programming." #crosssectorcollaboration, #housingishealth, #datasharingforbetterhealth, #endhomelessness https://lnkd.in/g3meXEeM

Effectively tackling the homelessness crisis in California and nationwide hinges on the accurate collection, application, and sharing of high-quality, person-level data. This Health Affairs article highlights the significant impact of precision permanent supportive housing to successfully match the right person to the right housing that supports the individual’s needs. “More precise and longitudinal data will help service providers, clinicians, and policy makers understand who remains housed or who has a poor outcome, and why; this information, in turn, will allow them to determine the most effective interventions for various subpopulations. Large municipal, state, and federal databases of health and social services are often siloed but, if integrated, could capture a broad set of information and disaggregate the heterogeneity of treatment effects.”

🏚️ How can health and care support break the cycle of #homelessness? Dr Michela Tinelli, a health and care economist at Care Policy and Evaluation Centre (CPEC), is investigating how out-of-hospital care models can provide more meaningful care for people experiencing homelessness. Her research is contributing to data-driven decision-making that will improve these services.

Extreme heat, defined as more than two days in a row above 90 degrees, can cause health problems for anyone, but it’s especially dangerous for people who are vulnerable already: children and older adults; people with pre-existing conditions and disabilities; people who experience homelessness, work outdoors, are incarcerated, or are low-income. For community health centers, which focus on caring for the country’s most vulnerable, heat-related care, outreach, and education are already integral to the services they provide. It’s not a question of learning the impacts or even developing new solutions, but of carrying on and expanding the work they already do. National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) https://lnkd.in/d9shPnPx

My latest blogpost: I look at health and how the uncertainty of experiencing homelessness is destructive to people's health! I look at how housing help creates healthier lives. I look at the importance of outreach workers helping to get people off the streets and into homes, and how that improves people's health. https://lnkd.in/guA4rrHA

“We need to invest in these people who need help,” Bradford added. “If you give them a chance, they’ll surprise you, and they’ll do well.” - David Bradford. This is what David Bradford highlighted on the subject of homelessness. According to a recent article from Read the US News and World Report, ( in the news ) at News AKMI, a new study from the University of Georgia reveals that reducing homelessness by 25% could potentially save around 2,000 lives annually from opioid overdoses, along with hundreds of lives from alcohol and cocaine overdoses. This groundbreaking research highlights the significant impact of homelessness on substance-related deaths, emphasizing the urgent need for effective policies to address both issues. The surge in evictions, particularly following the pandemic, has further exacerbated homelessness, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive solutions. While eviction prevention is crucial, researchers emphasize the importance of addressing underlying housing issues and providing support to vulnerable populations. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of pragmatic and compassionate policies to address homelessness and substance abuse, emphasizing the need for long-term investments in solutions that prioritize support and assistance for those in need. As healthcare professionals, let me know how we can be a part of this movement by sharing your thoughts in the comment section below. #healthcare #physicians #homelessness #newstoday #medicalprofessionals

Wonderful story in Idaho Business Review on multi-sector collaborative partners working together to ensure homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. As stated in the article, “challenges around housing are occurring all across the state of Idaho.” This is consistent with local health assessment results and what we’ve heard collecting data for Idaho’s statewide health assessment. Everyone deserves a safe, affordable home. https://lnkd.in/dAvMe_EP

The homelessness crisis is exhibit A in why state-wide performance management is so important. A multitude of agencies - public health, human services, housing, justice, and so many more - all touch the homeless community. We need a consistent framework for measuring and managing the processes and programs that serve this vulnerable population, and enterprise performance management (EPM) provides that framework. #EPM #Govtech

Gov. Gavin Newsom, if local units of government need help implementing new crisis response strategies, there is another way. https://lnkd.in/g4hUgWdR Avel eCare Crisis Care is built on a model that: ✅Provides 24/7 intervention and behavioral health expertise via telemedicine to avoid involuntary holds. ✅Helps law enforcement and counties reduce the time, resources, and personnel associated with crisis response. ✅Ensures the individuals in crisis receive the most appropriate care possible. No jail. No trips to an overworked emergency room. Here’s a published research study from earlier this year that concludes…. ”Use of a VCC program likely averts unnecessary IVCs. Law enforcement interviews affirmed the positive impact of VCC due to its ease of use and the benefits it provides to the individuals in need, the first responders involved, law enforcement resources, and the community.” https://lnkd.in/gQAyRKYE #Telemedicine #CrisisCare California State Association of Counties® California State Sheriffs Association California Police Chiefs Association League of California Cities California Mental Health Services Authority California Hospital Association California State Rural Health Association California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies (CBHA)

Homelessness affects every aspect of health—chronic illnesses, mental health, and substance misuse are just a few areas impacted. Sharing a pivotal study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health that explores the profound impacts of homelessness and health equity. This study sheds light on critical issues such as: -Chronic and Acute Health Conditions: How homelessness exacerbates physical and mental health problems. -Access to Care: Challenges in obtaining necessary medical and psychological support. -Economic Impact: The costs associated with managing health issues among the homeless population. 🌟 Why This Matters: Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective strategies to support and improve the health of individuals experiencing homelessness. This study offers insights for researchers, policymakers, and advocates working to address this complex issue. 📥 Read the Full Article here: https://lnkd.in/gxnQfHjG Let’s drive change by deepening our understanding and expanding our efforts to support the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. #Homelessness #PublicHealth #Research #HealthCare #SocialImpact #HealthEquity #AcademicResearch