Public Health

Drug decriminalization did not increase overdose deaths, analysis shows

As policymakers in Canada backtrack on decriminalization measures, a news study finds that drug decriminalization in Oregon did not cause an increase in overdose mortality.

Cybersecurity attacks highlight the need for patients to keep their medication records accessible

Cyberattacks can be alarming, especially when they affect health-care access. By creating a personal medication record, patients will find themselves empowered with the ownership of their information for the moments they need it most.

The urgent need for reception centres for refugees in Ontario

Delays in the opening of reception centres for refugees are significantly impacting the health of refugees and wellbeing of local communities.

We have lost our way in Ontario

Ontario's government has pursued a "populist" agenda, focusing on privatization, deregulation and profit-driven models. These have had devastating effects on health care and public safety.

Protecting HCWs and patients: An essential duty health-care leaders are neglecting

It is beyond time for our health-care leaders to empower an objective review of our system’s handling of this deadly and disabling airborne pandemic. It’s their duty to ensure a safe environment for patients and workers alike.

Politics and vaccine misinformation: A horrifyingly bad mix

Antivaccine rhetoric and beliefs reside most often on the political right. It is essential we confront this reality and devise evidence-informed strategies to counter this trend constructively.

We need to keep talking about public and private health care

"We are in a watershed moment for our health-care system — this is just the beginning, let’s continue talking about the health care we all want."

What is ‘normal’? Lab-based inequity in hematology

Inappropriate reference ranges are a significant issue in various areas of medicine and perpetuate systemic racism.

Private equity and health care: Should Canadians be concerned?

As Canadians, we should be asking questions about why private equity investment firms are so interested in owning parts of our health-care system.

Public health and restoring the theatre experience

Cinephile and palliative care expert Darren Cargill examines whether a public health approach can quiet the boors during movie screenings or whether a more drastic approach is needed.

Telegraph hit job a prime example of how not to report on drug policy

The Telegraph story depicts Vancouver's Downtown Eastside in a way that maximizes the harm done to their most vulnerable sources. But as journalists, we don't need to punch down to do our jobs.

Staying ahead of the curve – fentanyl, xylazine and the growing syndemic

Xylazine and other contaminants have made their way into the illicit drug supply complicating overdose response. We cannot afford to sit back and watch what happens.

Apologies are not enough. How Canadian Blood Services can rebuild trust with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities 

Canadian Blood Services, and other health organizations, have the opportunity and moral responsibility to build a better health system for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Involuntary drug treatment: ‘Compassionate intervention’ or policy dead end?

Involuntary treatment for substance use is being proposed as a solution to the toxic drug supply crisis in provinces across the country. But do programs like this work?

Undervalued and underappreciated: Perceptions from future family physicians

Family physicians are integral to a healthy health-care system. But thanks in part to feeling undervalued, fewer medical students are choosing to practice family medicine.

Why are we not using evidence-informed workload management in health care?

Excessive staff workloads lie at the root of the current human resources crisis in health care. With nurses and front-line staff leaving the profession in droves, we need better workload management.

Backlash against call for equity in medicine is misguided

A backlash against EDIA (equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility) is gripping Canadian medicine. The reasons for this backlash are complex but ultimately misguided.

Cautious, compassionate safe supply is good public policy

Safe supply is not a magic bullet to cure our overdose emergency. However, under cautious guidelines, prescriber-based safe supply initiatives have a role to play in saving lives.

Street harassment is not a joke or a nuisance, it’s a public health threat

Street harassment is often framed as a women’s issue rather than a public health concern. But it can have lasting impacts on adolescents.

Disability and poverty: Funding and structure of new federal benefit unacceptable

The amount being offered to some people with disabilities, $200 per month, is a drop in the bucket in a time of high inflation, rising rents and significant added costs to living with a disability.