Pilot Project Program, years 6 & 7

Addressing Speech Health Equity Issues in the Southwestern US Using a Telehealth Speech Therapy Game

Jared Duval, PhD, Principal Investigator

The Roles of Daily Stressor Control and Social Determinants of Health in Cognitive Aging: Examining Modifiable Contributors to Cognitive Health Disparities in Daily Life

Eric S. Cerino, PhD, Principal Investigator

Mindfulness-based Intervention for Latina Mothers who Drink Alcohol to Cope

Tara Bautista, PhD, Principal Investigator

Estimates from Arizona indicate that over 10,000 individuals experience homelessness on any given night, with the COVID-19 pandemic and high housing prices exacerbating housing insecurity. People experiencing homelessness have a multitude of physical and mental health inequities compared to stably housed individuals, including increased susceptibility to infectious disease and higher rates of chronic disease, serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and overall mortality. Homelessness is an urgent health and human rights issue across the state, with most research and resources focused on urban areas.

Study Aims

• Describe the cross-sectional association between shelter type and healthcare access, healthcare use, and health outcomes among adults experiencing homelessness in northern Arizona.
• Describe barriers and facilitators to establishing non-congregate shelters for adult experiencing homelessness in northern Arizona and the health impacts of non-congregate shelter use for individuals experiencing homelessness.

This study uses a mixed methods approach to investigate how shelter type (unsheltered/ nomadic, congregate shelter, and non-congregate shelter) impacts healthcare access, healthcare use, and health outcomes for adults experiencing homelessness in Northern Arizona— with a focus on tribal, rural, and border communities. We collect primary data via questionnaire with people who are currently experiencing homelessness, complete interview and/or focus groups with community stakeholders and people with lived homelessness experience and use statewide secondary data sources to better understand the relationship between emergency shelter type and Medicaid enrollment and use. This research has practical implications for local shelters and policymakers responsible for funding and establishing housing policy.

Investigators

Colleen Hackett, PhD, Principal Investigator

Sara Shuman, PhD, Co-Investigator

Ricky Camplain, PhD, Co-Investigator

Amanda Pollitt, PhD, Co-Investigator

Julie Roddy, PhD, Co-Investigator

Robert Wickham, PhD, Co-Investigator