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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Jessie M. Gaeta, MD, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston University Medical Center, 729 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02118, 617-414-7779, jessie.gaeta@bmc.org

Supportive housing, defined as permanent, affordable residence that incorporates intensive social services, promises to be the single most effective medical intervention to improve health outcomes in homeless populations. In Massachusetts, however, the state's approach to homelessness continues to emphasize the provision of emergency shelter and the traditional “continuum of care.” Advocacy groups support a fundamental paradigm shift to housing-based interventions for the chronically homeless population. Physicians who serve this population have abundant knowledge of the effects of homelessness on chronic disease and disability and these clinicians are in a unique position to advocate for the design and implementation of supportive housing models as an innovative public health approach to homelessness.

Fostered by a partnership between Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and a statewide homeless advocacy organization, the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, physician participation in this advocacy campaign in Massachusetts includes:

1. Interpretation and summary of outcome data from supportive housing models in other states as it applies locally; 2. Application of medical data from a cohort of local homeless patients to formulate a message to legislators and administrative officials for improved health outcomes and cost-effectiveness of supportive housing; 3. Support for the procurement of resources in the state budget for a Housing First pilot program and evaluation; 4. Collaboration with homeless patients, public housing providers, local jurisdictions and municipalities, state agencies, and philanthropists to inform the design of future supportive housing models.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant will be able to

• Discuss the public health implications of supportive housing.
• Recognize the significant role of physicians in influencing a community’s approach to homelessness.

Keywords: Advocacy, Homelessness

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No