Evaluation of a prescription medication voucher system for a homeless population

The last decade saw a resurgence of the homeless population in the United States. In order to rectify the phenomenon of homelessness, the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act was created in 1987. Under this Act, Congress made emergency funds available for homeless programs in 109 communities, including Salt Lake City, Utah. In January 1988, Salt Lake City obtained McKinney Act funding and created the Wasatch Health Care Program of medical services and substance abuse. Part of the medical services extended through the Act includes provision of prescription medication via a prescription voucher, after the homeless person has been seen by a medical practitioner. This thesis has traced the phenomenon of homelessness in the United States from the earlier part of the 20th century to the 1980s. Demographics of the homeless population in the United States have been studied and the reasons behind homelessness have been discussed. The study has evaluated the use of the prescription voucher for the homeless person. The analysis has been used to describe and quantify the homeless population who have had their prescriptions filled at local pharmacies in Salt Lake City, Utah.