If Canada has free healthcare, why are those who are unhoused still struggling to access it?

Here are four big reasons, among many:

Stigma on Mental Health and Drug Use: Many unhoused individuals face discrimination from healthcare providers due to drug use and/or mental health issues. This trauma often prevents them from reengaging with healthcare. When people who use drugs access the healthcare system, there is often limited support and understanding around drug use.

Lack of Continuity of Care: Without a permanent address or a strong support network, street-involved individuals struggle to find primary healthcare providers like family doctors. They often rely on hospital emergency rooms for most of their care but face challenges in receiving ongoing treatment and check-ups. Accessing health insurance is also difficult.

Displacement of Belongings: Unhoused individuals frequently experience the displacement of their belongings, leading to stolen or lost IDs. In Ontario, most healthcare providers require a health card for care, posing a significant barrier to accessing healthcare for some individuals.

Rigidity of the Healthcare System: Much of our healthcare system operates like a factory, prioritizing efficiency over a trauma-informed approach. This rigidity creates numerous barriers for unhoused individuals, including strict appointment times, inadequate time to build trust, and limited continuity of care.

Sanctuary’s medical clinic is a vital place for our community to receive warm, welcoming care for their health needs, from wound care, to overdose prevention, to post-emergency check-ups.