A new report shows that the number of annual deaths among the homeless in Santa Barbara County held steady. But, it notes none of them in 2017 were related to exposure to the elements. The county has a Homeless Death Review Team intended to look at the causes of homeless deaths and what can be done to avert them.
The latest statistics shows 44 homeless people died in the county in 2017, which is the same number that died in 2016. The leading causes of death were cardiovascular disease and drug and alcohol exposure.
The average age of the homeless who died in 2017 was 52, compared to 77 in the general population.
The intent is to use the report to cut down on homeless deaths through programs like drug treatment and improved medical care
