Provide names of other journalists involved.
N/A
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Dec-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
An in-depth look at the difficulties of managing diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) while homeless. The author spent significant time in the shelter clinic that offers diabetes care to the homeless in DC, and met several times with homeless diabetes patients and the clinic staff who serve them.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Asked for and received data from multiple homeless health care advocacy organizations. Because of the transient nature of the homeless population, as well as the under-reporting of housing insecurity coupled with the prevalence of diabetes, it is difficult to get accurate numbers on those affected.
Explain types of human sources used.
Interviews were conducted with health care professionals, health care advocates for the homeless and multiple homeless people living with diabetes.
Results:
The author found that diabetes management is often made a low priority among the homeless, and is an afterthought for those who might donate goods or services to them. A few organizations make it a priority to serve this portion of the population, and those who are able to receive care are more likely to be compliant with their diabetes self-management.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No follow-up needed.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Get in the trenches. Go meet with the people who are coping with both diabetes and homelessness. It’s impossible to tell their story accurately or with real compassion if you don’t meet them, and your audience won’t connect with the story if there isn’t a personal aspect to it.