Exploring Health Care Barriers for the Unhoused: Insights from a Rural Midwestern Community

People experiencing homelessness are more likely than the general population to have chronic health conditions and often encounter significant barriers to health care access. Many of these barriers can be affected by community-based factors, such as availability of reliable transportation, past experiences with health care systems, and community attitudes toward the unhoused population. This project aims to assess the needs and barriers to health care identified by people experiencing homelessness in a rural Midwestern city.

The survey used was adapted from a survey previously conducted to assess the needs of the homeless population in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Surveys were distributed during outreach around the city of Wausau, Wisconsin. Data were transcribed and reviewed, and descriptive statistics were calculated.

A total of 45 surveys were completed. Most participants identified as White, non-Hispanic males (n = 24, 53%) and were 46 to 55 years old (n = 14, 31%). Barriers to health care included lack of housing, cost, transportation, lack of a mailing address, inadequate hours, and disrespectful care. Eighty-six percent of participants (n = 38) reported having a mental health diagnosis, yet only 26% (n = 12) stated that they see a mental health professional.

Individuals experiencing homelessness in a rural community have broad and complex barriers to accessing health care. Given limited resources in smaller communities, innovative and holistic solutions should be considered when aiming to make care more equitable.