Public Health Considerations to Reduce Harm in Encampment Removals

Year: 2021

Resolution Number: 25

Action Taken: Approved as Amended

Status: Complete

Author(s): Jennifer Byk, Arjun Chadha, Zoey Chopra, Sanjay Das, Moustafa Hadi, Sarosh Irani, Jessyca Judge, Man Yee Keung, Remonda Khalil, Darian Mills, Chan Nguyen, Alangoya Tezel, and Melanie Valentin, Will Vander Pols, and Francis Yang

Sponsor: Mara Darian

On behalf of: Medical Student Section

Committee: D (Public Health)

Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That MSMS advocate for the involvement of public health departments, wherever possible, when considering the removal and relocation of encampments in Michigan to mitigate potential risks and harms to those living in affected encampments, in following with CDC guidelines; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That for any planned encampment sweeps, MSMS advocates for the announcement of the planned removal to affected parties with at least 48-hour notice in order to minimize the disruptive and harmful nature of encampment removal on people experiencing homelessness; and be it further RESOLVED: That MSMS encourage local governments in Michigan to adopt a similar policy and algorithm as established by the city of Detroit, where possible, to improve existing encampment sanitation and safety and, in the event of public health recommendation of encampment clearance, establish procedures to safely and humanely remove or relocate encampments.

Fiscal Note: $500

Resolution: View PDF for Public Health Considerations to Reduce Harm in Encampment Removals

For More Information, Contact:

Mary Kate Barnauskas , Specialist
Medical and Regulatory Policy
517-336-7575
mbarnauskas@msms.org