For people experiencing homelessness, illness and disability are especially prevalent.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unhoused individuals are at increased risk for both infection and non-infectious diseases, such as viral hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis, COVID-19, and more. Chronic conditions like mental illness, substance use disorder, diabetes, and heart and lung disease are also more likely among the homeless population.
But when basic needs like safe shelter and healthcare are inaccessible, it can be increasingly difficult for an already vulnerable community to find and receive treatment for these conditions.
In Colorado, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless has a number of community health centers and interventions specifically designed to meet the needs of homeless individuals. And a new program might streamline that support even more.
“The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless 48th Street Health Center now has a new way for clients to access commonly-prescribed medications, just steps away from their shelter,” a social media video for the nonprofit shared.
It’s called a PickPoint Remote Dispensing Machine, and it’s essentially a vending machine for prescription medications.
“This innovative system provides quick access to medications, such as inhalers, lidocaine, laxatives, nicotine patches, and anti-inflammatories,” the video continued.
Clients simply meet with a provider at the health clinic and get a prescription for what they need. Then, they are able to use that prescription to access their medication from the vending machine.
“For those who may be moving from place to place, this quick access helps ensure they receive the care and medication they need, without delay,” the organization shared.
Everything is central to one location, so someone doesn’t have to visit a separate pharmacy or provider to get the support they need.
While it’s unclear if the medication in the machine is provided for free, the health center is reportedly funded through the Federal CARES Act, as well as Denver’s Department of Housing Stability, to address homelessness and housing.
“The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless maintains all operating costs, but pays zero rent or utilities for the facility. The City of Denver paid for all recent upgrades to the property,” an informational document from the nonprofit shared.
The PickPoint machine has also been installed thanks to support from the McKesson Corporation and Colorado Access, which provides Medicaid and CHIP benefits to residents.
Although the machine was just installed and shared with the community, representatives of the organization appear to be optimistic that it will improve outcomes for the shelter’s clients.
And it’s a welcome innovation for anyone in need of medical care, social media followers say.
“I have a home and still struggle to manage picking up my meds with my job hours. [I] can’t imagine all the other barriers,” a TikTok commenter wrote. “This is such an incredible idea and will change many lives.”
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Header images courtesy of PickPoint
