The Reality of Wound Care for the Homeless in Washington State
The Reality of Wound Care for the Homeless in Washington State Access to healthcare should be a basic human right, yet for many experiencing homelessness in Washington State, proper wound care is nearly impossible to obtain. In places like Longview, Washington, where homeless services are critical, individuals are left with few options, often leading to preventable complications, infections, and even amputations. At Love Overwhelming, a nonprofit dedicated to harm reduction and peer support, we see these struggles firsthand and work tirelessly to bridge the gap in healthcare access. The Struggles of Wound Care for the Unhoused Many people experiencing homelessness do not have access to proper medical care, leaving them to manage serious wounds on their own. In Cowlitz County and surrounding areas like Lewis County, Grays Harbor County, Pacific County, and Clark County, wound care clinics that accept Medicaid are nearly nonexistent. This means those who cannot afford private...