29. Homelessness and Health: Locally, Regionally, Nationally

Contagious Conversations

In this episode, we'll discuss the link between people experiencing homelessness and public health and what CDC is doing to address this issue. CDC's Dr. Emily Mosites details the unique health challenges for those living with homelessness and discusses state and local solutions to this national issue.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations

Key Takeaways:

[1:32] Dr. Mosites shares how her work in public health was inspired by her being a global adventurer at heart.

[2:43] In her role as Epidemic Intelligence Officer in Alaska, Dr. Mosites investigated an outbreak of a new strain of a Streptococcus that was affecting people experiencing homelessness. Dr. Mosites shares how this outbreak led to her work on issues that affect people experiencing homelessness.

[4:14] Dr. Mosites explains the link between people experiencing homelessness and public health.

[5:32] What particular challenges did people experiencing homelessness face during the COVID-19 pandemic?

[7:17] Did COVID-19 serve as a catalyst to help advance this issue in some communities?

[7:40] What is CDC doing to address the issue of homelessness?

[10:30] Is there a need for more understanding in the public health community about the issues facing people experiencing homelessness?

[11:18] Dr. Mosites shares successful approaches addressing people experiencing homelessness at the local level.

[12:47] What is the role that race and equity play in homelessness?

[14:10] Dr. Mosites shares what she considers the biggest public health challenges ahead in working to address this issue.

Mentioned in This Episode:

CDC Foundation

Learn more about homelessness and health on CDC’s website

Tweetables:

“Even though #homelessness might be a national and regional issue, problem solving and #innovation really occur at the local level.” – Dr. Emily Mosites at @CDCgov in new @CDCFound Contagious Conversations #podcast episode

“Both racism and homelessness are a threat to #publichealth.” – Dr. Emily Mosites at @CDCgov in new @CDCFound Contagious Conversations #podcast episode