Response to COVID-19 for Patients Experiencing Homelessness

In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Inner City Health Associates, University Health Network, Parkdale Queen West CHC, The Neighborhood Group, SoundTimes and the City of Toronto have been collaboratively supporting COVID Recovery Sites for persons affected by homelessness and COVID-19. GHEM members Dr. Kate Hayman and Dr. Layli Sanaee are currently working as the Medical Co-Directors for this project, alongside many GHEM members who are working on the medical team. This unique collaboration highlights the critical importance of medical and social collaboration, with embedded harm reduction supports, to support individuals experiencing homelessness. We look forward to applying new knowledge and relationships developed through the COVID Recovery Sites, in our work to improve health equity for people using Toronto’s emergency departments.