States are using the health-care system to address homelessness, but encounters are being met with new crackdowns on homeless individuals. Following a Supreme Court ruling, law enforcement agencies are targeting the homeless through widespread operations, leading to fines and arrests. However, experts argue that these tactics only worsen the issue and disrupt efforts to stabilize and improve the health of homeless individuals. Politicians are responding to public frustration by clearing encampments, but this is making people sicker and hindering access to essential services. Health and social service providers are reporting increased mental health issues and substance use among the homeless population.
Source link
Crackdown on Homeless Encampments Raises Public Health Questions
