Dying in the Shadows: the Challenge of Providing Health Care for Homeless People
Description:
The study of mortality among homeless women reported in this issue by Cheung and Hwang1 (see page 1243) is a clarion call to our society and our health care community. The stunning 10-fold disparity in mortality rates between Toronto's homeless and housed women aged 18-44 is complemented by data from 7 other cities, which show that the risk of death among younger homeless women is 5–30 times higher than the risk among their housed counterparts. Previous studies by Hwang and others of homeless people in Boston and Toronto have reported overall mortality rates 3–5 times higher than those among the general public.2,3 This smouldering public health crisis can no longer be ignored. (abstract from the article)
Type of Resource:
Journal
Publication Date:
2004
Volume:
170
Issue:
8
Pages:
1251-2
Location:
Ottawa