Social Determinants

569 articles:
Inequity
Indigenous
LGBTQ
Gender
Disability
Racism
by Maddi Dellplain

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.
by George Magafas

Prescribing evidence: Combatting anti-scientific policies on puberty blockers

None of the policies preventing puberty blockers can be justified, as they are entirely discriminatory. If cisgender-affirming care is on the table, then transgender-affirming care must join it.
by Nikhila (Nikki) Butani Stuart McKinlay Megan Werger Vishva Shah

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.
by Alykhan Abdulla

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.

by Nichole Sanchez Diaz Sanja Kostov Erin Bearss Milena Forte

Bridging generational divides in medical education: Gen Z med students’ POV

Adapting medical education for Gen Z learners isn’t about coddling – it's about evolution.
by Leisha Toory

‘Menstrual hygiene products are a basic necessity’: Addressing accessibility gaps for people with disabilities

Public awareness campaigns must be tailored to address the unique menstrual health needs of individuals with disabilities, including the financial burden of menstrual products.

by Alexandra Campbell

Excuse me for living: MAiD, autonomy and feeling like a burden

With the option of MAiD squarely on the table for so many, is staying alive becoming a path that requires justification?
by Karla Machlab

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

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

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.
by Zier Zhou

Team Canada’s Alicia Souveny: Car crash survivor and blood donation advocate

Alicia Souveny lost her left leg in a car accident in 2019 and would have lost her life, too, had she not received enough blood in time from donors. She's now an ambassador for the Canadian Blood Services and a member of the national women's para-hockey team.

by Nicole Smith

Ethical issues cloud online Ozempic prescription services

Patients with obesity are caught in the middle of two ethical issues rooted in weight bias – the reason the online services exist and the online services themselves.
by Abby Taher

‘Nothing for most and no easy way to fight back:’ Advocates skeptical as regulations for Canada Disability Benefit Act outlined

Persons with disabilities in Canada need and deserve access to justice, or they will continue to be pushed to the margins. The federal government has the opportunity to learn from mistakes and ease the way for people with disabilities who rely on social assistance to survive. Now it just needs to act.
by John Walid Handal

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.
by Joss Reimer

Privilege. Blame. Allyship. Reflecting on reconciliation as a non-Indigenous physician

CMA president Joss Reimer writes, "As individuals, we may not be responsible for what happened in the past. But we are responsible for what happens in the future."
by Maddi Dellplain

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?

by Jessica Gosselin Valerie Jeanneret Meghan Pritchard

Access to abortion is not just a matter of health, it is a matter of basic human rights

The U.S. Supreme Court has abandoned its duty to protect the rights of women. We must ensure that every woman can enjoy reproductive freedom on both sides of the border.

by Maia Stelfox Stephana Julia Moss Jeanna Parsons Leigh

Beyond acceptance: Fostering inclusive care for sex and gender minority youth

Sex and gender minority youth are disproportionately impacted by mental health concerns tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. But they're also less likely to find adequate supports.

by Gary Bloch

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.

by Kaden Venugopal

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.
by Hilary Brown Laurie Proulx Lesley A. Tarasoff Yona Lunsky

People with disabilities account for 13% of all pregnancies, but their needs are invisible

People with disabilities need inclusive, accessible pregnancy care that treats them with respect, dignity and acceptance.

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