Open AccessThe Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program: A Public Health Framework
Author(s) -
James J. O’Connell,
Sarah C. Oppenheimer,
Christine M. Judge,
Robert L. Taube,
Bonnie Blanchfield,
Stacy E. Swain,
Howard K. Koh
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2009.173609
Subject(s) - respite care , public health , health care , unit (ring theory) , medicine , gerontology , nursing , population , health services , family medicine , environmental health , psychology , political science , mathematics education , law
During the past 25 years, the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program has evolved into a service model embodying the core functions and essential services of public health. Each year the program provides integrated medical, behavioral, and oral health care, as well as preventive services, to more than 11 000 homeless people. Services are delivered in clinics located in 2 teaching hospitals, 80 shelters and soup kitchens, and an innovative 104-bed medical respite unit. We explain the program's principles of care, describe the public health framework that undergirds the program, and offer lessons for the elimination of health disparities suffered by this vulnerable population.