Tuberculosis (TB) & Homeless Service Settings

It is important for service providers for the homeless to understand TB. Shelter environments can often increase the chances of spreading TB. For example, building ventilation may be inadequate and clients may be staying in close quarters together, typically for eight to 12 hours per night.

People who are homeless are more likely to be at a higher risk than the general public to develop TB disease.

  • Living in group setting, e.g, shelters
  • Contact with other people who are homeless and have untreated TB disease
  • Poor access to nutritious food
  • Poor access to healthcare
  • Difficulty keeping medical appointments or completing TB drug treatment
  • Difficulty for close follow-up by health care providers after exposure to TB
  • Increased likelihood of having chronic health conditions
  • Substance use, especially injection drug use and alcohol
  • Limited access to HIV education and prevention measures, increasing the risk of HIV infection

TB is treatable and curable. If you are a contact of an active case of TB, you will be notified by Toronto Public Health and advised on what to do next. Usually, this will involve getting a TB skin test.

The TB STOP provides drop-in services for people who are homeless or under-housed in Toronto and their service providers. Appointments are preferred.

Location

277 Victoria Street, 1st Floor
Toronto, ON
M5B 1W2
416-392-7457

Services Include

  • Symptom screening
  • Sputum collection
  • Referrals to other health professionals as appropriate
  • TB skin testing. The TB skin test requires two visits. Clients must return within 48 to 72 hours to the TB Stop to have their skin test read.

TB is treatable and curable. If you are a contact of an active case of TB, you will be notified by Toronto Public Health and advised on what to do next. Usually, this will involve getting a TB skin test.

  • Encourage everyone to cover their coughs and sneezes and make disposable tissues available for this purpose.
  • Improve ventilation by opening a door or window.
  • Know the signs and symptoms of TB disease.
  • If you suspect TB disease in a client, consult with management and refer to medical care.
  • Place each mat or cot at least one metre apart from neighbouring mats or cots, with head to foot, instead of head to head arrangement.