HIV infections worsened by lack of housing and healthcare

Across the country HIV infections have increased, especially among homeless populations. Detection and treatment are near impossible due to various inequalities in healthcare and housing. Many infected people suffer alone. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, KPTV File)

An estimated 27.5 million people in the United States did not have health insurance at any point during the year, according to the most recent projections from the Census Bureau. This number likely leaves out those who are undocumented, under counted and/or homeless. In the fight against sexually transmitted infections, specifically HIV, access to healthcare is fundamental.

Over the years, Americans became complacent with the high cost of prescription medication, healthcare insurance and hospital visits. It is still common to hear people shrug it off as “things are just more expensive now” as pharmaceutical and insurance giants spike prices without a suitable reason; some have even been convicted for malpractice or fraud. However, the attitudes around this issue are changing dramatically, especially among younger Americans. This could have a tremendous influence on providing proper care to houseless folks living with an HIV/AIDS infection.

The Coronavirus has really highlighted the inequalities of our healthcare system too.

Last year, the United States began to see an alarming increase in HIV cases, especially among the homeless. The Portland metro region has experienced some of the highest numbers of new infections. Those most affected were drug users and their sexual partners, according to a report by The Oregonian. But a lack of housing makes it difficult to properly treat infected people and halt the spread.

Every day is a test for houseless people. To others on the outside, a homeless person may appear healthy. They may be written off as lazy, careless and many other negative stereotypes. To people passing on the street, their healthcare is the last social worry. Therefore, receiving treatment and taking a daily pill is all but impossible. Moreover, our houseless populations across the country tend to have multiple health issues that make it more difficult to overcome infections like HIV. Plus, many lose their medication to thieves who think that the pills will give them a high. Those lost medication will likely not be replaced by insurance companies.

Beyond the difficulty to access healthcare, homeless people with HIV still have to go through the same process as everyone else seeking housing. This may generally seem fair, but if the goal is to slow the spread of HIV, detection and treatment must be moved up the ladder.

If you believe nobody should die on the street alone from a treatable disease or healthcare is a right for everyone regardless of their situation, join the advocacy efforts of the Transition Projects.

By Eduardo Ramos, Portland State University

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