It breaks my heart to see so many homeless here in Clark County. When I go to a local public library, the majority of patrons seem to be there for warmth and security, not for checking out books. Occasionally, security is called for disruptive behavior because of mental health issues. Last week, a patron took off his shoes and the foul odor was horrific from 20 feet away. Looking at the furniture in the library, I wonder whether scabies, roundworm, and other parasitic diseases might be shared with the general public.
My point is not to condemn these folks who desperately need safety and warmth during these cold months, but to point out that health services for the unhoused are inadequate to the current needs. This is a national scandal that has never been addressed. Why is that? And what can we do to solve it? Looking at you, candidates for 2024!
