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
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.