Health Status of and Access to Health Services by Residents of Urban Encampments in Los Angeles

This paper reports findings from a survey of 134 homeless people living in 42 urban encampments in central Los Angeles. These data, of concern to public health officials, include the physical conditions in the camps, the health status of residents, their use of drugs and alcohol, and their access to and use of health care services such as substance abuse treatment. Many encampment residents report poor health status; over 30 percent report chronic illnesses, and 40 percent report a substance abuse problem. Although outreach efforts have had success in bringing HIV and tuberculosis screening services to encampments, residents report significant barriers to using primary health care and drug and alcohol treatment services. Public hospitals and clinics remain the major source of primary medical care for homeless people living in encampments. Outreach and case management continue to be critical components of improved access to health care for homeless people.