Health and homelessness
On one of the coldest nights of the year, AMA SA’s President and CEO will sleep outdoors to draw attention to those who don’t have that choice.
The CEO Sleepout will take place at Adelaide Zoo on 18 June, one of the longest and often coldest nights of the year, raising crucial funds for St Vincent de Paul Society’s frontline homelessness services.
‘As President of AMA SA, I spend much of my time advocating for a health system that reaches everyone,’ A/Prof Subramaniam said.
‘But some of the most profound physical and mental health consequences don’t begin in a hospital or clinic – they begin with the absence of a warm bed and a safe, secure place to sleep.
‘Homelessness is not a character failing. It is often what life looks like when the unexpected arrives – a relationship breakdown, job loss or health crisis – compounded by a lack of support and a housing market that has left too many people behind.’
More than 17,600 South Australians accessed specialist homelessness services during the 2024–25 financial year – equivalent to one in every 107 people.
Mr Jones said the decision to take part in the CEO Sleepout was grounded in the inescapable connection between stable housing and good health.
‘Homelessness isn’t just a social issue – it’s a health issue,’ Mr Jones said.
‘Ill health, whether mental illness, disability or chronic disease, is often what pushes people into homelessness in the first place. Once someone is without stable housing, that cycle becomes incredibly difficult to break.
‘When people don’t have a safe place to sleep, store medication or recover from illness, their health deteriorates. Some of the doctors AMA SA represents see these impacts every day.’
AMA SA members who wish to support the CEO Sleepout will help raise funds for accommodation, meals, emergency assistance and long-term support for people experiencing homelessness. All donations are most welcome.
‘I’m fortunate – after the Sleepout, I’ll return to a warm bed and a secure home, and as a parent I know my children will too,’ A/Prof Subramaniam said.
‘That’s not something I take for granted, and it’s why I’m doing this. Support us if you can – or better still, join Simon and me on the night.
‘Let’s take a moment to remember those who sleep rough while we sleep well.’
