Abstract
This paper was prepared for a course on Canadian health policy. It analyses the current health situation of the homeless population in Canada, along with the characteristics of health care use among members of this group. A focus is placed on the barriers to accessing health care that are often experienced by homeless individuals. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the various policy options that may work to effectively address the unique health issues of the homeless population. There are severe inequalities in the experiences of health of this group – and with a growing population of homeless individuals in Canada comes a growing need to work towards creating interventions that will reduce homelessness and improve health. This paper will highlight that action cannot only come from those in the health policy sector for results to be lasting – efforts need to come from actors involved in all sectors.
Highlights
Homelessness is an issue that prevails across most developed countries
A research study conducted in Toronto of 1169 homeless individuals found that nonfinancial barriers were persistent in keeping many from accessing care
The most articulated solutions to the issue of poor health of the homeless population fall under two areas: modified primary care tactics and housing solutions
Summary
Homelessness is an issue that prevails across most developed countries. In Canada, rates of homelessness are on the rise, and it is not limited to one specific group of people (Currie, Greaves, Golden, & Latimer, 1999, p. 17). Despite the fact that Canada has universal health care coverage (under which most homeless people are insured,) this population experiences many barriers to accessing health care services. The essay will include statements from the main actors involved in developing any final policies that have an effect on the health of the homeless population.
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