1. Identify the disparity: Homelessness and mental illness in veterans
2. Summary of the article: Disparities in Housing Status Among Veterans with General Medical, Cognitive, and Behavioral Health Conditions studied the risk factors associated with homelessness and the existence of medical and mental issues within the veteran population. The study found that although medical issues such as diabetes and lung issues complicated the issues of homeless and wellness, mental health was a stronger predictor of homelessness and increased mortality. The study found homeless veterans are found to have a greater rate of behavioral health issues which increases their risks of heath. They stated a clear relationship between mental health problems and housing status and discussed that these matters also placed …show more content…
Discuss what you believe could/should be done to assist individuals in reducing this health disparity. The first step to assist these homeless veterans with mental health is a more comprehensive outreach program. Going into their environment with medication and well checks to help them maintain or improve their level of health. The start could be dispensing the medications they need to treat and manage their mental illness. These are not the patients that are capable of filling a prescription at the local pharmacy; medication needs to be taken to them on the street. The next step is to minimize the steps to start on the path to good health and living in a more stable environment. Helping all homeless cut through the red tape and get permeant safe shelter without complicated steps to take. Address their medical issues at the roadside if needed to start the path to wellness both physically and mentally. These outreaches do exist but need to be more prevalent, and everywhere a homeless veteran may be found. These patients need to be sought out and treated with food, medication, and basic human needs before we can hope to solve their
2. Summary of the article: Disparities in Housing Status Among Veterans with General Medical, Cognitive, and Behavioral Health Conditions studied the risk factors associated with homelessness and the existence of medical and mental issues within the veteran population. The study found that although medical issues such as diabetes and lung issues complicated the issues of homeless and wellness, mental health was a stronger predictor of homelessness and increased mortality. The study found homeless veterans are found to have a greater rate of behavioral health issues which increases their risks of heath. They stated a clear relationship between mental health problems and housing status and discussed that these matters also placed …show more content…
Discuss what you believe could/should be done to assist individuals in reducing this health disparity. The first step to assist these homeless veterans with mental health is a more comprehensive outreach program. Going into their environment with medication and well checks to help them maintain or improve their level of health. The start could be dispensing the medications they need to treat and manage their mental illness. These are not the patients that are capable of filling a prescription at the local pharmacy; medication needs to be taken to them on the street. The next step is to minimize the steps to start on the path to good health and living in a more stable environment. Helping all homeless cut through the red tape and get permeant safe shelter without complicated steps to take. Address their medical issues at the roadside if needed to start the path to wellness both physically and mentally. These outreaches do exist but need to be more prevalent, and everywhere a homeless veteran may be found. These patients need to be sought out and treated with food, medication, and basic human needs before we can hope to solve their