Health care for the socially marginalized: the role of subsistence service providers

People who access subsistence services (food and shelter agencies) are susceptible to multiple and severe health conditions, but numerous barriers limit their access to mainstream health care. Subsistence service providers are, thus, often the primary point of contact for many people who are experiencing poor health. This study utilizes qualitative and quantitative methods to identify support mechanisms for subsistence service providers that would assist in addressing the health needs of their clients and increasing access to health care. Navigation outreach workers, a central directory of services, on-site health professionals and electronic patient care records are policy options that have been successfully implemented in other jurisdictions. This study finds that these alternatives would also be desirable in the short term in the Vancouver Coastal Health region and recommends avenues for expanding them in the long term