Health
At least 109 individuals living in Richmond city limits have no home to return. This is according to the annual Point in Time count, a county-wide assessment conducted on one night of the year that tallies the number of people sleeping outside.
But the Richmond Police Department reports encountering up to 800 separate individuals sleeping outside on any given night.
The situation is desperate. Research indicates that homeless individuals live shorter lives, endure higher rates of mental illness, drug addiction, poor health and injury than their sheltered counterparts. Still, people without homes are often dismissed as careless or crazy, the lasting legacy of a stigma that has its roots in the Great Depression era, when welfare programs were introduced in the United States.
Richmond residents’ access to health care is limited, and the situation is not improving. Policies at the state and federal level have put providers in dire financial straits, and access to emergency and primary care does not look good for West County. But proponents of a new approach to public health, one that’s being tested in Richmond, say that health is more than just health care. This new municipal ordinance, called “Health in All Policies,” treats the city planner as the city’s doctor. But in Richmond, where many people have trouble getting access to a medical doctor, will this prescription for the city as a patient be effective?
Underutilization of the CalFresh program in Contra Costa County resulted in a projected loss of nearly $94 million in annual economic impact. Five years later, the federal aid remains untapped.
This episode of “Tale of Two Cities” explores the topics of play and self-care.
Contra Costa County has opted into a pilot program for treating Medi-Cal enrollees with substance use disorders. Experts are optimistic that the program will help more people suffering from substance use disorders get treatment quickly.
Veterans’ Voices offers alternative coverage of issues veterans face while adjusting back to civilian life.
The RYSE Center held a training in October to help community leaders learn how trauma affects the health of Richmond youth and how creating safe spaces can help young people–and the community–heal.
Rubicon Programs has worked to end poverty in the East Bay for over 40 years. Today, the group supports the formerly incarcerated and families in poverty.
AdamsCrest Farm gives Richmond residents, like Diana Leal, an opportunity to learn and farm in their community.