The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #61018

Debra A. Samuel, BA¹, Alessandra S. Karson, MPH¹, and E. Ann Hinds². (1) Primary Care Clinic, Outside In, 1132 SW 13th Ave., Portland, OR 97205, (2) Risk Education Department, Outside In, 1132 SW 13th, Portland, OR 97205, 503-535-3800, ahinds@outsidein.org

Youth experiencing homelessness have dramatically higher health risks than other youth and are much less likely to engage in routine health care for a variety of reasons. Improved health for these youth requires preventative medicine, health education and early and easy access to healthcare. In October of 2001, Outside In, an agency providing shelter, food, counseling, medical, and other services to homeless youth in Portland, Oregon, started the Portland Homeless Youth Health Corps through a yearlong grant provided by the Center for Health Care Strategies. Homeless youth were recruited and trained to perform peer outreach as a part of the health corps and, through their efforts, delivered approximately 400 homeless youth to the Outside In primary care clinic to receive physicals and follow-up visits, enroll in the Oregon Health Plan, and learn health access and advocacy skills. Incentives were given to the youth leader and the patient upon completion of an exam. A brief patient survey was also completed. The goal was to have youth come in not only for the initial exam, but to establish an ongoing relationship with health care providers.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to:
• list three factors that contribute to increased health risks for homeless youth;
• identify specific attitudes that increase accessibility to healthcare for the homeless youth population, and
• assess the feasibility of implementing a similar program.

Keywords: Homelessness, Access to Health Care

Related Web page: www.outsidein.org; www.chcs.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Outside In 1132 SW 13th Ave. Portland, OR. 97205 (503) 535-3800
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.