ACOG committee opinion, number 312, August 2005: healthcare for homeless women.

Abstract

Homelessness is a considerable social and health problem in the United States with far-reaching effects on the health of homeless women. Homeless women are at higher risk for injury and illness and are less likely to obtain needed health care than women who are not homeless. It is critical to undertake efforts to prevent homelessness. Until this can be accomplished, community-based services targeted specifically to this population that provide both health care and support services are essential. Health care providers can help address the needs of the homeless by identifying their own patients who may be homeless, treating their health problems, offering preventive care, and working with the community to improve the full range of resources available to these individuals.