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New study tracks homeless health outcomes in hospitals
SANTA FE – People who are homeless are more likely to get sick, hurt or even die from preventable causes.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has published a report titled “A Novel Strategy for Counting Persons Experiencing Homelessness and Describing Their Health Outcomes in New Mexico Healthcare Facilities, 2019–2023.” The report analyzed statewide hospital data to more accurately estimate the number of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) and to better understand their health conditions. It examined key demographic and clinical factors, including medical issues and mortality factors.
From 2019-2023, New Mexico patient records show 30,882 patients accessing hospital care were experiencing homelessness, including 869 children under five years old. During that period, 488 PEH died at the hospital. The most common causes of death were heart attacks and acute kidney failure; other causes included firearm injuries, cold-related illnesses and motor vehicle accidents.
The study demonstrates that statewide healthcare system data can be used to report homelessness and its comorbidities. This analysis found 2-4 times more PEH each year than the official count of homelessness in New Mexico, the annual Point-in-Time count.
“This report contributes to the broader understanding of how housing and health are connected in New Mexico,” said Hayley Peterson, Drug Use Morbidity Epidemiologist for NMDOH and one of the authors of the report. “The governor’s work to address the housing crisis is so important to help with this issue.”
Among the 30,882 PEH included in the report, 66% were male and 34% were female. 39% were white, 39% were Hispanic, 15% were Native American/Alaskan Native, 6% were Black/African American and less than 1% were Asian/Pacific Islander. The American Indian/Alaskan Native and Black/African American populations were disproportionately represented.
“Public health approaches that address infectious disease, environmental health, drug overdose, suicide and injury should include strategies to support PEH and promote stable housing,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for NMDOH. “Health system interventions like screening for housing needs and linking people to housing services can have positive health impacts.”
Visit the NMDOH website to view the full report.
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