Dr. Roseanna Means Helps Boston Homeless Get Access To Health Services

When Dr. Roseanna Means walked the streets of Boston, she talked to women living on the streets who were in need of medical care.

She decided to help. Means was recently featured as a CNN Hero about her nonprofit organization, Women of Means.

When describing what her program does, Means describes her team as "ambassadors of the health care system," helping disadvantaged women navigate the way to free medical help.

Means explains,

"For women who are poor, homeless or battered, to deal with a system of health care becomes overwhelming. There are lots of emotional issues, psychiatric issues...I just didn't like the idea that they were falling through the cracks."

But more than that, Means focuses on the holistic side of health. She wanted to provide a safe place for women in need beyond just physical care.

"This is not just about a checkup or doling out antibiotics for an infection, but it's about giving these women the acceptance -- and love -- they deserve. It's a process. It takes a long time. But we don't put any time limits on it 'cause we know that in some cases, it's literally life-saving."

WATCH:

Supporters can make a donation to boost the organization. If you live in the Boston area, you can also volunteer with Women of Means to help homeless women.

Comments

[LeftonMainSt]

07:24 PM on 01/25/2011

No citizen should be without decent health care.

[mrk65]

07:03 PM on 01/25/2011

How about being all inclusive, and help women and MEN? Or is this the era of the pink?

[AwShucks]

08:09 AM on 01/28/2011

From the video, it did not seem, at all, that she was discriminating.

She goes to the shelters. All of these shelters have only women or women and children.

That is the population which she identified as falling through the cracks which she felt that she could best serve.

I say more power to her.

[tbrdfx96]

09:09 PM on 02/19/2011

Why can't she help whoever she wants to help? Who are you helping? I help cats not dogs. I like dogs.

[bazienergy]

06:10 PM on 01/25/2011

For women who are poor, homeless or battered, to deal with the health care system becomes overwhelming. Means is helping them avoid slipping through the cracks.

More than deserving of the Bazitivity Badge — http://bit.ly/MeansBAZItivity

[mrk65]

07:02 PM on 01/25/2011

what and it doesn't for men?

[breakingpoint]

06:06 PM on 01/25/2011

Shame the richest country ion the world has people without health care.

Shame on you US

[Hillbilly49]

05:45 PM on 01/25/2011

This is what Jesus would do. ;)

[XFilesTheTruthIsOutThere]

05:09 PM on 01/25/2011

What a wonderful concept. I hope this catches the attention of other media outlets and find its way to other cities that house homeless women. Don't forget the homeless men and children!

[Kya Nite]

04:21 PM on 01/25/2011

I have the pleasure of saying that this woman was my physician ( she was covering for a Dr. who went on a year long leave of absence) up until recently and I absolutely love her. She listens, I mean really listens. Dr. Means helps you to come up with a wellness plan. I was so happy to see her on CNN and for her organization and the fantastic work that she does to be highlighted to the public. I have never known anyone like her and I hate to say it I was not able to continue to see her when my Doctor came back. Still trying to get over that, but I know she is so needed by others.

[April22]

04:16 PM on 01/25/2011

Bless you, Dr. Roseanna. Refreshing to see some doctors practicing in America took the Hippocratic Oath to heart.

What a sad day for America to have so many homeless. Sadder still, many more of us will be homeless within the next two years, and all the while the rich get ...you know the rest.

[Arjala]

03:51 PM on 01/25/2011

More heroes please!

[amanofmanyfaucets]

03:45 PM on 01/25/2011

What she is doing is definitely a good thing but can you imagine the response if she had a program for men instead of women? There is a strangely acceptable twinge of sexism to her quest.

[Teri Ferrell]

04:23 PM on 01/25/2011

I thought the same thing.

I'm sure this is because women tend to be (or used to be) a minority on the streets, and they face special challenges that need to be addressed.

In particular, homeless women in San Francisco are more likely to be victims of rape, assault, etc., and many are mentally ill (a chronic problem in California since Ronnie Raygun cut mental health funding)

[GwenElle]

03:04 PM on 01/25/2011

Thanks Dr. Means. I love and greatly admire what you are doing. Truly, an angel among us!

[Soulfest]

02:57 PM on 01/25/2011

Great, wonderful and I hope that inspires more doctors to grow a movement of many doctors to get behind healthcare for all citizens in America. A massive movement of doctors and healthcare professionals to bring on healthcare for all.

[artleads]

03:26 PM on 01/25/2011

Excellent comment. Clayton Cristensen (sp), Harvard Economist (Disruptive Innovation?) makes the point that the future of medicine should be bringing small-scale but very sophisticated medical technologies to the local community. That might be in line with your suggestions.

[media4me]

02:55 PM on 01/25/2011

A therapy session disguised as a health check up?

[AwShucks]

08:01 AM on 01/28/2011

Whatever it takes.

Thjis is wonderful.

[InisLass]

02:44 PM on 01/25/2011

What a wonderful REAL doctor! I have heard of some others who aren't getting the news coverage so I applaud them all for truly caring.

[rview]

07:10 AM on 01/25/2011

Can anyone explain why there are so many more homeless men than women? The difference is remarkable.

[Teri Ferrell]

04:26 PM on 01/25/2011

I think it is probably because of addiction to drugs or alcohol, which is higher among men. And women, if they have children, can get more public assistance, even if they also have addictions.

[rview]

05:02 AM on 02/03/2011

Do men have a higher incidence of mental illness, maybe?