A new report from the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) highlights the severe health challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness in the state.
The report, A Novel Strategy for Counting Persons Experiencing Homelessness and Describing Their Health Outcomes in New Mexico Healthcare Facilities, 2019–2023, analyzes statewide hospital data and reveals that people experiencing homelessness are significantly more likely to suffer from preventable illnesses, injuries, and death.
The study found that between 2019 and 2023, a staggering 30,882 patients experiencing homelessness accessed hospital care in New Mexico, including 869 children under five years old. During the same period, 488 people experiencing homelessness died in hospitals. The leading causes of death included heart attacks and acute kidney failure, but also tragically featured firearm injuries, cold-related illnesses, and motor vehicle accidents.
The report’s findings indicate that official counts of homelessness in New Mexico significantly underestimate the actual number of people experiencing homelessness, with the hospital data showing 2-4 times more individuals experiencing homelessness each year compared to the annual Point-in-Time count.
“This report contributes to the broader understanding of how housing and health are connected in New Mexico,” said Hayley Peterson, Drug Use Morbidity Epidemiologist for NMDOH and one of the authors of the report. “The governor’s work to address the housing crisis is so important to help with this issue.”
Demographic data within the report reveals that 66% of the 30,882 people experiencing homelessness were male, and 34% were female. In terms of ethnicity, 39% were white, 39% were Hispanic, 15% were Native American/Alaskan Native, and 6% were Black/African American. Notably, the American Indian/Alaskan Native and Black/African American populations were found to be disproportionately represented among the people experiencing homelessness.
“Public health approaches that address infectious disease, environmental health, drug overdose, suicide and injury should include strategies to support PEH and promote stable housing,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for NMDOH. “Health system interventions like screening for housing needs and linking people to housing services can have positive health impacts.”
The full report can be accessed on the NMDOH website.