Episode 5: Healing the Homeless

Street View by Dallas Public Library

In Episode 5 of Street View, you meet Dr. Susan Spalding, Director of Parkland Hospital’s Homeless Medical Services, including five HOMES mobile units. As Dallas County’s safety net hospital, Parkland continues to develop to meet growing demands for medical services to low-income families and adults, including the homeless and the poorest among us, since they do not qualify for Medicaid in the state of Texas or coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Dr. Spalding provides insight into the unique health issues facing the homeless, including the spread of disease in shelter-environments and the need for specialized medical services, including podiatry, since homeless individuals spend so much time on their feet.