"Stand down for the homeless". Podiatric screening of a homeless population in Cleveland

JM Robbins Department of Community Medicine, Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Cleveland 44106, USA.

Search for other papers by JM Robbins in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
LS Roth Department of Community Medicine, Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Cleveland 44106, USA.

Search for other papers by LS Roth in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
MC Villanueva Department of Community Medicine, Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Cleveland 44106, USA.

Search for other papers by MC Villanueva in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Health care for the homeless is a major public health concern. With the rise in antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis, the increase of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diseases, and other health risks, the medical community has begun to recognize the urgency of taking a proactive role in providing care for this population. Lower extremity pathology can result in limb-threatening and, in some cases, life-threatening sequelae for homeless populations. This patient group has limited access to regular hygiene, appropriate shoes, and podiatric medical care. Participation in the "Stand Down for the Homeless" projects provided an opportunity to evaluate the podiatric needs of a homeless population and to project a response to those needs. The authors define and compare this homeless population with the national homeless population, compare the podiatric needs of this homeless populations versus the general population, and respond to those needs.

Save