Timmins physicians react to new study findings that poorer Canadians endure more opioid harm than wealthier ones
A new study reveals that low-income Canadians are nearly four times more likely to die from opioid usage than people who are wealthy.
The study was conducted over a 17 year period by researchers at the University of Waterloo. Pharmacy professor, Wasem Alsabbagh, said the rate in the lowest income areas of the country is also "almost four times (higher) for mortality and more than four times (higher) for hospitalization and almost five times higher for ER visits."
The study was recently published in the journal Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada.
These findings come as the Safe Health Site Timmins, a safe injection site, is set to open on Monday morning and local physicians are not surprised by them.
“People with less income have less opportunities for health and well-being and face greater inequalities in terms of health and health care and that does include social services, supports, mental health and addictions," said Dr. Liane Catton, medical officer of health for the Porcupine Health Unit.
Alsabbagh added, "All of those assumptions that we have that everyone is tech savvy, that everyone can access the care is not really true for a lot of people.”
He says by drawing the link between low socioeconomic status and opioid harm, policies can be designed to better serve the needs of communities such as establishing safe injection sites in locations where people will need it more.
An addictions lead at the Timmins and District Hospital agreed and said that the goal of Safe Health Site Timmins is "to reach those individuals who are challenging to reach; the most marginalized and vulnerable and those that really aren't sure how to even seek help for their addiction," said Dr. Louisa Marion-Bellemare.
Waterloo University researchers said low socioeconomic status is found in geographic areas with less access to resources and where people endure discrimination and social isolation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case
The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.