"Doctors should be able to write prescriptions for housing the same way they do for insulin or antibiotics," tweeted Governor Newsom on Friday. "We need to start targeting social determinants of health. We need to start treating brain health like we do physical health. What's more fundamental to a person's well being than a roof over their head?
While it is unclear on how exactly how such a 'prescribed housing' measure would work, doctors the California Globe contacted were largely not optimistic if such a measure took place.
"I don't know what that would do," said Dr. Caitlyn Green, a general practitioner who treats homeless people every week. "I think the Governor was just trying to make a point on the seriousness of the situation. Or I at least hope so. If we write for them to get housing, what can that do? Would they get preference when affordable housing opens up? Does it for state agencies to house them? Will there be a new type of housing just for people'prescribed' it? There's not a lot to go on."
"If it were to happen today it honestly does nothing. If there was special housing for people we wrote for where they could safely go to get a roof over their head and help, then it may be something. But right now it's not much better than writing 'hope' on my pad."
There may be a more absurd statement from a California politician but until I find it, this one will do.
