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Homelessness Is A Healthcare Issue. Why Don’t We Treat It As One?

Original Article by Sachin H. Jain and Forbes, cited below.

Summary by Simply the Basics

Author Sachin Jain argues that the way you see a problem - is how you will choose to solve the problem. While they mention problems of housing, economics, and quality of life - this article speaks to homelessness as a healthcare issue.

“When homeless people are asked how they became homeless, they frequently say their troubles began when they lost their jobs. Which might lead one to conclude that unemployment is the root cause of homelessness. Yet, what many homeless people often omit when asked this question is that they lost their job due to illness. As Seiji Hay­ashi writes, ‘Sickness and injuries make holding a job difficult, which leads to income declining and homelessness for those without a safety net.’ Hayashi also notes that in a country where most people get health coverage through their employer, ‘no job means no health insurance.’”

Three Pillars of Better Treatment

  • Outbound Care

  • Coordinated Care

  • Speciality Care

Through this article, read about homelessness through the lens of healthcare - what is not working and what could work.

Jain, Sachin H. “Homelessness Is a Healthcare Issue. Why Don't We Treat It as One?” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 10 Dec. 2021, https://www.forbes.com/sites/sachinjain/2021/04/17/homelessness-is-a-healthcare-issue-why-dont-we-treat-it-as-one/?sh=3142a99777e3.

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