"Girl PACK" is a video project done by homeless young women in an effort to culturally sensitize providers of women's healthcare to homeless youth Homeless youth are at increased risk for sexually transmitted disease, intentional injuries, drug abuse, history of sexual abuse, depression and pregnancy. Homeless youth face a number of barriers to accessing health care including cost, and a lack of cultural sensitivity by providers.
"Girl PACK's" purpose is to improve effective delivery of healthcare to homeless youth by providing an understanding of the physical constraints of life on the streets and in shelters, an awareness of and comfort with the likely history of sexual abuse, drug abuse, and physical abuse, illiteracy masked by false toughness, and of the norms of street culture which might affect risk behaviors and interventions.
Today's managed healthcare system relies on the patient's ability to advocate for their own healthcare needs. Homeless adolescent women often have not yet developed the self advocacy skills to navigate a healthcare system that was not designed for them. And like other adolescents they may show little interest in preventative healthcare, though they are at greatly elevated risk. "Girl PACK" intends to empower the youth involved with the project and put a new face on health education making it alive and meaningful to homeless adolescent women who normally are missed by mainstream education.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to adapt their own provision of healthcare to provide greater access to homeless young women. Participants will be able to provide more culturally specific and appropriate healthcare for homeless young women. To provide cultural information, understanding of barriers that homeless young women face and possible solutions, for providers of healthcare. Encourage healthcare providers to evaluate their clinic, services, and approach for cultural sensitivity. Articulate barriers that homeless women face in accessing health care discuss how barriers can be broken down
Keywords: Homelessness, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment