ER Use Goes Down As Hospital Program Pays Homeless People's Rent


The University of Illinois piloted a program to fund housing for homeless patients who frequent the ER as a means to get off the street, and seek treatment for their chronic health conditions. Maintaining stable housing for these patients actually reduces the long term cost to the ER because homelessness is associated with chronic conditions such as asthma, and simply having housing can eliminate a lot of the side effects of these conditions. This solution is saving the hospital money and improving the health outcomes and living situations of the patients.

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