A sobering new report from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reveals that homeless people in LA are dying at an alarming and accelerating rate. Over the past eight years, the mortality rate among the unhoused has climbed nearly 30% faster than the overall homeless population.
In 2022 alone, 2,374 homeless individuals died in LA County. This marks an incredible 100% increase in deaths compared to just four years prior in 2018. Tragically, people experiencing homelessness are now 40 times more likely to die from a drug overdose, 18 times more likely to be murdered, and 4 times more apt to die from heart disease than the general county populace.
Overdoses Fueling the Surge in Homeless Deaths
While many factors contribute to this crisis, the primary driver is a shocking spike in lethal overdoses. The overdose mortality rate among the unhoused skyrocketed over 120% between 2020 and 2021 alone. Last year, methamphetamine and/or fentanyl were involved in over 95% of homeless overdose deaths countywide.
Fentanyl, an extremely potent synthetic opioid, has hit the streets hard in recent years. Detectable in just 12.5% of overdoses in 2018, it was found in a staggering 67% last year – a fivefold increase in four short years. Thankfully, the overdose death rate did plateau somewhat in 2022, signaling that harm reduction efforts like naloxone distribution and outreach may be slowing the acceleration.
Violence and Heart Disease Also Major Threats
While overdoses were the leading cause of death for those experiencing homelessness in 2022, violence and heart disease also took a major toll. The homicide rate climbed over 60% in just two years, likely fueled by the social instability and desperation brought on by the pandemic.
Coronary heart disease remains the second leading cause of death for this vulnerable population as well. Though the number of cardiac-related deaths did fall slightly last year, the rate is still four times higher than for housed county residents.
Transportation Accidents Another Factor
After overdoses, heart attacks, and violence, accidents involving vehicles were the fourth leading cause of death for the unhoused. The mortality rate from traffic collisions has begun to decline but remains troublingly high at almost 250 deaths per 100,000 people last year. Experts believe removing people from dangerous street locations into housing has prevented more of these avoidable fatalities.
Recommendations to Save Lives
While the statistics are profoundly troubling, the county health department researchers emphasize they can guide life-saving policy decisions. Their recommendations include:
- Expanding housing and shelter capacity
- Increasing harm reduction services like naloxone access
- Enhancing targeted street outreach and case management
- Identifying dangerous traffic areas to improve pedestrian safety
The report’s authors stress that the data clearly demonstrates targeted interventions like these can stem the rising tide of deaths among our most vulnerable citizens. With compassion, commitment, and smart policy changes, we have the power to reverse these alarming trends and preserve precious human life. I sincerely hope you find this “Los Angeles homeless dying at a faster rate, Discover what a new study reveals” article helpful.
Ruby Arora is the lead writer at LosAngelesDailyNews.net, where she brings her extensive expertise in journalism and communications to cover Los Angeles’ vibrant culture and breaking news. Ruby holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and has a track record of delivering insightful and accurate stories. Connect with her on Instagram and YouTube for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.
