LAS VEGAS — Urgent Call for Las Vegas Tunnel Dwellers to Seek Medical Help
LAS VEGAS — In a recent fall afternoon, case manager Bryon Johnson ventured into the dark tunnels beneath the glitz of the Las Vegas Strip to search for his homeless clients. Beneath the Caesars Palace hotel and casino, Johnson discovered Jay Flanders, 49, living on a plywood bed with sores covering his body. Flanders, a homeless man with a history of meth use and mental health concerns, had been living underground for several years. Johnson urged Flanders to seek treatment above ground, away from the dangers of the tunnels.
Increasing Number of Tunnel Dwellers
Street medicine providers and homeless outreach workers have observed a rise in the number of people living in the underground tunnels as housing costs soar and local authorities crack down on homelessness. The tunnels, originally intended for flood control, now house 1,200 to 1,500 individuals who have built makeshift shelters below the city’s iconic casinos.
Challenges Faced by Tunnel Dwellers
Living in the tunnels poses numerous risks, including exposure to extreme weather conditions, drug addiction, and health issues. Many tunnel dwellers struggle with drug abuse, mental illness, and chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. Despite the dangers, some individuals find solace in the tunnels, seeking shelter from the scorching heat of summer and freezing temperatures in winter.
Efforts to Provide Care
Street medicine providers are working tirelessly to persuade homeless individuals to leave the tunnels and receive medical care. They have encountered new challenges, including skin infections caused by a dangerous street drug known as “tranq.” This drug mixture leads to severe skin wounds that can result in life-threatening infections and amputations if left untreated.
As housing costs continue to rise in Las Vegas, more people find themselves displaced and resort to living in the tunnels. Outreach workers emphasize the importance of providing comprehensive care and support to these vulnerable populations to prevent further health complications and tragedies.
By shedding light on the plight of tunnel dwellers in Las Vegas, we can raise awareness about the urgent need for medical assistance and housing solutions for those living on the margins of society. It’s time to come together as a community to ensure that everyone has access to the care and support they deserve.