Homeless youth
Disease Information
Overview
Homeless youth tend to have more chronic diseases than youth in more stable living situations. They may seek out health care solely in times of crises, and even then often face obstacles such as parental consent, financial problems and legal issues.
For this population, health care is usually not continuous and not covered by most health insurance plans. Homeless youth have particularly high HIV rates and need comprehensive care due to all of the medical and psychosocial issues associated with HIV infection.
The Boston HAPPENS Program strives to cross-institutional barriers and connect homeless youth to needed social and medical services by meeting youth where and when they choose. Our staff provides confidential care settings and facilitated transportation. We offer high-quality, accessible, youth-oriented, culturally-sensitive care for HIV-positive, homeless and at-risk youth.
