Porcupine Health Unit wants to know how people coped with the pandemic
Over the next couple of weeks, a telephone survey will be conducted on behalf of the health unit as a follow-up to a survey that was conducted two years ago.
Porcupine Health Unit officials say as the region continues to learn how to live with covid-19, they're committed to improving the mental wellness of the people they serve.
A telephone survey to be conducted by EKOS Research will ask people a few questions.
“We do encourage you to take the call and take the time to complete the survey. Otherwise, you can always contact the health unit if you want to share some information or some thoughts about mental health and well-being,” said the health unit’s Chantal Riopel
Riopel said this survey will be a follow-up to one conducted in Dec 2020, eight months into the pandemic.
From the 400 respondents at that time, she said more than a quarter of them revealed their mental health had worsened during the pandemic. And, that alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use had increased in some age groups.
“We want to be able to compare and see what the differences are, how much of the impact it has had on our community members, and if it’s changed, what that looks like.”
Officials with the District School Board Ontario North East said when the community is struggling, its students are struggling.
Lesleigh Dye said the pandemic has exacerbated issues of food and housing insecurity.
“Some of our schools, more than in the past, are making sure students have food for the weekend. We have some students who are relying on friends and other extended families for shelter.”
As a result, Dye said 20 percent of the 7-thousand students the board serves, requires assessments and or therapeutic support.
The health unit's survey will end on June 3, and the results will be posted on its website.
Health officials said the information will help them know what type of support the community needs to help people heal.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
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.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
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.
'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.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
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.
'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.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.