Homeless
clients of the Clinics have some special vulnerabilities, including
a high prevalence of undiagnosed treatable chronic conditions such
as staph infections and high blood pressure. Living out of doors
puts homeless persons at greater risk for common infections, like
chest colds, that can become major or potentially life-threatening
acute conditions. Additionally, the homeless population has a higher
incidence of infectious conditions like tuberculosis, which can
threaten the health of the general public.
With more than 10,000 homeless people in San Francisco,
free, accessible, non-judgmental medical care that also addresses
clients' housing, substance abuse treatment and mental health needs
is of great importance. Staff and volunteer practitioners from the
Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic treat both acute and chronic
conditions and link clients with social workers and other social
service agencies in the community. Services are offered on-site
and through medical outreach efforts several times weekly at nearby
soup kitchens and on the streets.
Homeless
clients of the Clinics have some special vulnerabilities, including
a high prevalence of undiagnosed treatable chronic conditions such
as staph infections and high blood pressure. Living out of doors
puts homeless persons at greater risk for common infections, like
chest colds, that can become major or potentially life-threatening
acute conditions. Additionally, the homeless population has a higher
incidence of infectious conditions like tuberculosis, which can
threaten the health of the general public. 