KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - As the region works to end homelessness, a new report shows the continuing toll it takes on the health of the most vulnerable in our community. Produced by Public Health - Seattle & King County, the annual homeless death report summarizes the deaths of 110 people who died while homeless in 2006. The report illustrates the early and preventable nature of these deaths – the average age of death was 48 years old – and the necessity for comprehensive solutions that integrate housing, human service and health care needs for this vulnerable population.
The report, 2006 Annual Report on Homeless Deaths, is available on the Web at www.metrokc.gov/health/hchn
“Our community feels the tragedy of each of these homeless deaths,” said King County Executive Ron Sims. “For those we have lost, their friends and family, and the many people who continue to face the risks of homelessness each day, we must continue to work as a community to end homelessness and improve the health of the most vulnerable.”
“Each human life lost is precious. It is urgent that we continue to work together to improve the health, safety and quality of life of each of our vulnerable residents,” City of Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels said. "That is why our work to end homelessness is so important.”
The report includes death and demographic data on 286 homeless individuals who died between 2004 and 2006. The 110 people who died in 2006 were an increase over the 94 deaths in 2005 and 82 in 2004. Not included in the report, but based on preliminary information for 2007 homeless deaths do not appear to be on the rise this year. From January through October 2007, the King County Medical Examiner has identified 70 homeless deaths, compared to 86 deaths in that time period in 2006.
Compared to previous years:
- In 2006, the average age of death was 48 years, compared to 47 in 2004 and 2005.
- The largest percentage of deaths in 2006 (45%) were accidental, an increase compared to 2005 (41%) and 2004 (39%). This increase was seen primarily in non-intoxication related accidents such as pedestrian-vehicle accidents, fires, drownings and falls.
- The number of homicides continued to climb, from 4 in 2004, to 8 in 2005, and 11 in 2006.
Reflecting the fact that homelessness is not only an issue of the urban core, 25% of the deaths occurred in communities outside the City of Seattle.
“These premature deaths reflect the many harsh realities and risks faced by those who live on the streets and in shelters—chronic health conditions, homicides, suicides, and the role of alcohol and drugs,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. “With early intervention and connection to services that support recovery and stability, many of these early deaths are preventable.”
The homeless deaths included in the report were those under the jurisdiction of the King County Medical Examiner’s Office. They include people who died on the streets, in encampments, in homeless shelters, and other locations. The deaths do not represent all homeless deaths in King County because not all homeless deaths come under the Medical Examiner’s jurisdiction, such as individuals who were in poor health but under a doctor’s care in the 36 hours preceding death.
New details are included in this report about deaths related to the cold and environmental exposure over the three-year period:
- Four homeless deaths in King County from 2004-2006 were due to hypothermia or cold exposure. Three occurred in early to mid-November and the third was in December.
- Other deaths possibly related to avoiding environmental exposure occurred in winter and summer months. In 2004-2006, eight people died from fires in encampments such as tents, a cargo container, and other temporary shelters. Causes included a camp stove explosion, electrical fire, smoking, and structural fires.
- Six deaths involved carbon monoxide. Sources of carbon monoxide included propane heaters and gas-powered generators. These deaths occurred in 2004 and 2005; none of the deaths were associated with the Hanukkah Eve windstorm of 2006.
King County is a leader in implementing the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, a comprehensive regional plan to address conditions contributing to homelessness, through increasing the availability of affordable housing and coordinating the supportive services that help people remain housed and as healthy as possible. Sims serves as co-chair on the Governing Board of the Committee to End Homelessness, working with other community leaders to craft new approaches for eliminating homelessness. For more information on the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, visit www.cehkc.org.
The Health Care for the Homeless Network provides quality, comprehensive health care for people experiencing homelessness in King County and provides leadership to help change the conditions that deprive our neighbors of home and health. For more information on Health Care for the Homeless Network, visit www.metrokc.gov/health/hchn.
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.
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