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CAPITAL REGION CARES
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
UC Davis Health
Creating the definitive solution to homelessness
Despite much attention over many
years , Sacramento still struggles with a seemingly overwhelming homelessness epidemic , and CEO of UC Davis Health , Dr . David Lubarsky , has seen its effects firsthand . Tackling the problem head-on , he ’ s spearheading a plan to address homelessness with an all-encompassing practical and caring approach that would make better use of existing resources .
“ Our emergency department treats many chronically homeless people , but a hospital isn ’ t the optimal solution to these issues ,” says Lubarsky . He has become an unintended expert on what it would take to truly help the chronically homeless , now partnering with Sacramento County mental health and public health services to figure it out .
“ Many homeless people deal with behavioral health issues , exposure to the elements and substance abuse disorders ,” says Lubarsky . “ Attacking only one issue at a time
won ’ t solve the problem . They need everything at once — social support systems , intensive psychological or behavioral health assistance , substance abuse disorder assistance , and ongoing primary care , because the life expectancy for a homeless person is about 25 years less than the general population .”
With in-depth research , analysis and a California Health Care Foundation grant , Lubarsky is on a mission to establish an integrated care campus — a one-stop services shop — that can deliver positive changes in Sacramento ’ s level of homelessness . The proposed campus would be inviting and voluntary , providing housing for 400-600 people for six months up to two years . It would also feature an intensive outpatient facility for behavioral and ongoing psychological counseling , primary care , social services and access to inpatient behavioral health services as needed .
“ We ’ ve built a coalition of other health care systems , community and homeless advocates , charitable foundations , city and county officials , and the business community to begin to address this issue ,” says Lubarsky . “ Even so , we will need the entire community ’ s support to make this happen , creating a brighter future for all of us .”
[ PICTURED ]: DR . DAVID LUBARSKY , CEO | UC DAVIS HEALTH
“ We must reimagine how we as a society provide housing for all our fellow citizens . AKT is honored to work with Dr . Lubarsky and UC Davis Health to identify new approaches to promote dignity and health for our community ’ s most vulnerable .”
— Chrysa Demos , CEO | AKT Investments
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