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More Thoughts on Services for Homeless People in Disasters

Another consideration about the homeless population's need for services in disaster situations.

My two postings on the issues of homelessness, addiction and mental illness have prompted additional commentary back to me via email. See the information below about the complexity of the homeless population and multiple issues that may require treatment/addressing during disaster situations.

"Our Behavioral Health Services (BHS) __________ Department of Public Health has identified the continuance of methadone dosing as a vital services for our Department. Our BHS annex plans for the continuance of this service.

Additionally, Mental health, Substance Abuse and Primary Care health issues among Homelessness have obvious cross overs. The vulnerable populations are “tri-morbid.” That is they may die from mental health + substance use + primary care issues that contribute to their overall health. Additionally, identifying these people, can consume emergency resources on a regular basis. We refer to them as “high users of multiple services (HUMS)” example, a geriatric bipolar female with substance use issues and breast cancer. Every emergency room transport of this person diverts Fire+EMS assets from the general population. By identifying the HUMS population and pushing them to be sheltered and into non-emergency services saves money and frees up expensive emergency resources. While I am not a subject matter expert, I wanted to share this perspective."

I'm thinking that a portion of the comprehensive emergency management disaster response plan should have an annex or appendix on the issue of homeless/addiction/mental health services when the chips are down and you have fewer staff, resources and treatment options. 

Eric Holdeman is a contributing writer for Emergency Management magazine and is the former director of the King County, Wash., Office of Emergency Management.