Addressing Homelessness in Utah: Improving the Health System and Services for Vulnerable Populations

Leaders in Utah Discuss Ways to Improve Homelessness System at State of Reform Health Policy Conference

At the 2024 Utah State of Reform Health Policy Conference, leaders in the continuum gathered to address the increasing numbers of people experiencing homelessness in the state. Tyler Riedesel, housing insecure population epidemiologist at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), highlighted the need for formal public health agencies to be involved in solving homelessness, leading to the creation of his position.

One of the challenges discussed was the lack of health data for the homeless population. Hospital systems do not have standardized ways of tracking whether patients have stable housing, making it difficult to understand the health needs of this population. Michelle Flynn, executive director at The Road Home, emphasized the importance of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) in tracking data and the need for more accurate information to address health needs effectively.

DHHS is collaborating with healthcare providers like Intermountain Health and the University of Utah Health to improve how hospitals track the health of the homeless population. They are also working on releasing a mortality report for deaths among the homeless population.

Janida Emerson, CEO of Fourth Street Clinic, highlighted the connection between stable housing and healthcare, stating that “Housing is healthcare, and healthcare is housing.” She shared a story of a man who ended up in the hospital due to frostbite because he lacked stable housing, underscoring the impact of housing instability on healthcare outcomes and costs.

The discussion also touched on the need for funding to build robust services for the homeless population. While Gov. Spencer Cox proposed significant funding for affordable housing and homelessness services, the approved budget fell short of the recommended amount, raising concerns about the availability of resources to support these initiatives.

Moving forward, the focus is on finding ways for hospitals, mental health facilities, and correctional facilities to be part of the solution and ensure discharged individuals have stable housing options. Leaders also emphasized the need for a reimbursement model for homelessness care and additional support for clinicians in community-based healthcare settings.

Overall, the conference highlighted the complex challenges of homelessness and the importance of collaboration, data tracking, and funding to improve the system and address the health needs of Utah’s homeless population.