IDPH RELEASES HOMELESS MORTALITY REPORT

A new report released by the Illinois Department of Public Health reveals a stark reality for people experiencing homelessness across the state. From 2017 to 2025, nearly 3,000 deaths were recorded among this population, with the average age of death being almost 20 years younger than that of the general public. The data highlights especially concerning trends in drug-related deaths: 39% of fatalities among homeless individuals were linked to overdoses, while that figure stands below 5% for the broader population. The report also found higher rates of emergency visits and hospitalizations, underscoring a deep health disparity.