Davis has also arranged resources to address issues like smoking cessation among those who are homeless, an easily forgotten malady compared to the day-to-day health dangers that may take priority. “I had [homeless] cancer survivors come out to talk about quitting,” Davis says, “and I got one of our physicians to sign prescriptions for the patch or the gum.”

Shelter clinics see ailments similar to those treated in any clinic in the country, according to Davis, but there are added problem areas for these patients that health care professionals must account for. “We do see a lot of hypertension, patients on medications who forget to take them for weeks or months, or their meds get stolen,” says Davis. “A patient might mention he’s been out of his diabetic medicine, and the nurse will send him to our community health program for further evaluation.”

Scott says the clinics are working to integrate more primary care and mental health services, with counselors who will deal with a variety of issues, including anger management. The fastest-growing group of people who are homeless are mothers and their children, forcing clinics to begin adopting more immunization and women’s health education. One of the clinics brought on board an LVN who provides special safety and hygiene classes for women with small children.

Patient satisfaction

Like nearly all health care providers, the clinics are concerned with outcomes and patient satisfaction. And in a sampling of some patient feedback, according to the HCHD, many do feel they’re getting the service and — most important — the respect they feel they deserve:

“Y’all are the best in the world.”

“The staff is very professional and helpful. The nurse did a good job.”

“More staff is needed for longer hours, but the clinic is doing fine.”

“The visit was handled, as usual, in a very courteous, friendly, and professional manner. Thank you for caring.”

“I was treated real good and they were nice and explained everything to me where I could understand. Thank you for the clinic.”

Like many in Houston, Davis knew almost nothing about the health problems of those who are homeless before she began working for the program. Since then, she’s seen patients who suffer from mental illness, some who’ve never been educated, and others who are homeless despite having college degrees.

“After I started going to the clinics and getting to know the individuals living on the streets, their mental condition, and how they lived, I was glad I got into that program,” says Davis. “I felt there had to be something we could do.”

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Janet Kilgore is a freelance writer.

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