Tax time the perfect time to tackle the health impacts of homelessness
Queenslanders are being urged to spend their end-of-financial-year (EOFY) charity donations improving health outcomes for their most vulnerable neighbours.
Today AMA Queensland Foundation launched its EOFY Tax Appeal to bring healthcare to Queenslanders experiencing homelessness with charity partner Beddown.
AMA Queensland Foundation Chair Dr Dilip Dhupelia said funds raised would help Beddown open new night shelter across Queensland and connect those guests with vital outreach medical, healthcare and hygiene services.
“It’s astounding that in 2023 the health outcomes of homelessness are so dire that someone experiencing long-term homelessness has a life expectancy of just 47 years,” Dr Dilip Dhupelia said.
“That’s more than 30 years below the national life expectancy.
“Imagine how difficult it must be to access healthcare when you can’t access a safe, secure place to sleep. The pressures of sleeping rough take their toll, often leading to chronic conditions that aren’t detected and treated quickly.
“The absolute tragedy is, all these health impacts are preventable, and that’s why we have teamed up with Beddown.”
Beddown transforms unused spaces into night shelters for the homeless, which includes space for healthcare organisations to run outreach programs. It’s aiming to create six permanent venues across Queensland.
Funds raised through AMA Queensland Foundation will help stock them with the equipment and supplies needed to open them to guests.
Beddown founder Norm McGillivray said he was grateful for the support of the charity arm of Queensland’s peak body for the medical profession.
“I lost my father, who was homeless on the streets of London, at the age of 42 from a heart attack. It's shocking that in all these years, the situation for homeless people hasn't improved.”
“We all start our day and end our day in the same place and that’s in a comfortable bed. Why should all these people every night, have to live in the conditions they’re living in?
“We can change lives and save lives, starting with a safe and comfortable place to sleep.”
The AMA Queensland EOFY Tax Appeal runs throughout June. Donations can be made through the Foundation website.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
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