More than 120 homeless people died in Ireland in 2020, new data shows.
The Health Research Board (HRB) has published an analysis of the number of deaths and causes of death among people who were homeless at the time of death.
This represents 121 homeless deaths in 2020, which equates to 10 deaths per month, up from 92 deaths in 2019.
The report found that those who died from homelessness were much younger than the average Irish person at the time of death, with a median age of 36.5 years for women and 42 years for men.
A person wrapped in a sleeping bag in Dublin city center in January 2021. Image: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ieAlmost all of those who died had a history of substance abuse or addiction, and a high prevalence of mental health and medical conditions.
More than half of the deaths occurred in Dublin. More than two in three people were homeless and staying in temporary or emergency accommodation.
A total of 23 people who died were found to have had rough sleep.
Almost half of deaths occur in designated homeless accommodation, and a further one in three occur in public places.
Of those who died, one in five women and one in 10 men are known to have spent time in prison.
drug abuse
Almost all of the deaths (91%) had a history of drug abuse with high levels of polypharmacy.
The most common drug used by those with a history of drug use was heroin (61%), followed by cocaine (56%) and benzodiazepines (36%).
Of those who had used drugs, more than 4 in 10 were alcohol dependent.
The proportion of people who inject drugs was high, and the prevalence of hepatitis C was particularly high among men.
Almost half of those who died had received drug use treatment.
cause of death
Poisoning was the cause of death in nearly 6 out of 10 people.
The most common drugs associated with poisoning deaths were opioids (mainly heroin and methadone), followed by benzodiazepines and cocaine.
Fifty-two non-poisoning deaths were recorded among homeless people, the majority (85%) of whom were men.
Cardiovascular disease deaths accounted for one in four non-poisoning deaths, with the majority occurring in men.
“Collaborative approach”
HRB chief executive Dr Mairead O’Driscoll said behind these figures were lives lost.
“The findings of this report highlight the extremely difficult conditions facing some of the most vulnerable people in our communities,” she said.
“The Health Research Council’s aim in collecting and analyzing data on the nature and circumstances of these deaths is to provide evidence that can inform harm reduction strategies and future policy to support people experiencing homelessness. is.”
In addition to demographic data, the survey also includes information on the circumstances of death and cause of death. The numbers were almost similar to those recorded in 2019.
This 2008 file photo shows a man preparing to inject heroin in Portlaoise, Co. Laois.Image: Julien Behal/PA Archive/PA ImagesHRB Senior Research Fellow Dr Susie Lyons said a co-ordinated approach between drug and alcohol treatment services was needed.
“2020 saw the impact of problematic drug use and mental health conditions, with the majority of deaths having one or both of these issues at the time of their death.
“Our findings show that these cases are complex and require a coordinated approach between drug and alcohol treatment services, mental health supports and harm reduction approaches.” she added.
There were 11 deaths among people who were homeless and had no history of drug or alcohol use.
The report will arrive in the meantime Concerns about people who sleep rough As temperatures plummet.
similarly Homeless numbers hit record high, Death of a person who sleeps poorly It was recorded in Dublin city center last week, and homeless organizations and charities said fears were growing as the weather worsened.