Introduction Homelessness is a state of an individual lacking a fixed, adequate, and regular residence. It is perceived as chronic when the person concerned is accompanied by disability and has been homeless for more than a year. Homelessness has been a major problem in Orlando, Florida. It affects a vast number of people including women and children. Most of the inhabitants have mental and physical disabilities that predispose them to injuries and illnesses when compared to the healthy population. A large number of Orlando residents live in the streets, homeless camps, motels, and unsheltered places. As I rode the bus during public transportation project, I noticed quite a few individuals that appeared to be homeless. Although health care
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It can affect anyone irrespective of one’s current social status. Risks associated with this condition are poverty, job loss, unemployment, family crisis, domestic and sexual violence (MacEgan, 2014). Homelessness has negative impacts on its victim’s health. This is due to the reduced access to medical and preventive care. When the homeless requires medical attention they are usually at a stage when their condition is advanced, which can lead to longer hospitalizations. According to the Homeless Services Network spokesperson Cathy Jackson, there are 10,000 homeless adults in Florida and double that number when children are included (MacEgan, 2014). Furthermore, a study done by the federal government ranks Florida first for chronically homeless people (Kavanagh, 2014). Despite the continued efforts to reduce the number of homeless people in the United States, the number is increasing in …show more content…
Collective responsibility seems to be the most realistic and feasible way of tackling the issue. The government, the health care providers, and the society should stand together to say no to homelessness in Orlando. Nurses are especially equipped to tackle the problem in Orlando because in addition to being in a position to educate victims, we can also provide them with timely nursing care. When all these are implemented, one can only hope that the major challenge of eliminating homelessness in Orlando will have been
It can affect anyone irrespective of one’s current social status. Risks associated with this condition are poverty, job loss, unemployment, family crisis, domestic and sexual violence (MacEgan, 2014). Homelessness has negative impacts on its victim’s health. This is due to the reduced access to medical and preventive care. When the homeless requires medical attention they are usually at a stage when their condition is advanced, which can lead to longer hospitalizations. According to the Homeless Services Network spokesperson Cathy Jackson, there are 10,000 homeless adults in Florida and double that number when children are included (MacEgan, 2014). Furthermore, a study done by the federal government ranks Florida first for chronically homeless people (Kavanagh, 2014). Despite the continued efforts to reduce the number of homeless people in the United States, the number is increasing in …show more content…
Collective responsibility seems to be the most realistic and feasible way of tackling the issue. The government, the health care providers, and the society should stand together to say no to homelessness in Orlando. Nurses are especially equipped to tackle the problem in Orlando because in addition to being in a position to educate victims, we can also provide them with timely nursing care. When all these are implemented, one can only hope that the major challenge of eliminating homelessness in Orlando will have been