Vulnerable Populations
The world’s population continues to rise in large number. Every country, state, and city cannot deny this increase and the unavoidable multiplying of vulnerable populations. A vulnerable population is made up of individuals but is often looked at in groups, as in “alcoholics” or “homeless”. These populations consist of a portion of society that are at an increased risk for developing physiological, psychological, or social health issues (De Chesnay, & Anderson, 2012). The following groups of people are considered vulnerable populations: high-risk mothers and infants, the chronically ill and disabled, those living with HIV/AIDS, the mentally challenged, alcohol and substance abusers, abusive families, homeless, and immigrants or refugees (De Chesnay, & Anderson, 2012, Pp. 7). One of the greatest barriers to health care in the United States is lack of insurance coverage. The recession has caused many people to lose their jobs. Many then fall into homelessness, and even drug and alcohol abuse, because of their situation. The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) accounts homelessness to the decrease in jobs, wages, health care coverage, and property foreclosures (Lefebvre, 2012, pp. 29). Approximately eight million people have lost their jobs nationally and only one out of every three people will find a position if they are actively looking (Tietz, 2012). Approximately 1.6 million people use transitional housing or emergency shelters every year in the United States, whereas 3.5 million people have been recorded as officially homeless (Lefebvre, 2012, pp. 29). There are a number of barriers that prevent people in these vulnerable populations from receiving assistance. Lack of education, absence of family or a support group, mental illness, and chronic disabilities are a few of such barriers.
The homeless here in Ventura
References: De Chesnay, M. and Anderson, B. A. (Eds.). (2012). Caring for the vulnerable: Perspectives in nursing theory, practice, and research (3rd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett. Lefebvre, E. (2012). Headed home. U.S. Catholic, 77(7), 28-32. Lowe, J., & Gibson, S. (2011). Reflections of a Homeless Population 's Lived Experience With Substance Abuse. Journal Of Community Health Nursing, 28(2), 92-104. doi:10.1080/07370016.2011.564066 Teitz, J. (2012). Rolling stone culture. Retrieved from http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/the-sharp-sudden-decline-of-americas-middle-class-20120622