OTTAWA,
ON, Sept. 13, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, the
co-chairs of the federal, provincial, and territorial Special
Advisory Committee on Toxic Drug Poisonings—Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, and
Dr. Sudit Ranade, Yukon's
Chief Medical Officer of Health—issued the following statement on
the release of the latest surveillance data on opioid and
stimulant-related harms in Canada for the period of January to
March 2024. While it is too early to
draw conclusions on trends this year, the latest data shows that
the number of opioid-related deaths, hospitalizations and EMS
responses in the first quarter of 2024 was lower than the same
period in 2023.
From January to March 2024, there
were 1,906 deaths, representing 21 deaths per day. There were also
1,505 hospitalizations (17 per day) and 8,719 EMS responses (96 per
day) due to opioid-related poisoning. The number of opioid-related
emergency department (ED) visits was slightly higher than the same
period in 2023, with 75 visits per day on average.
Sadly, the extent of opioid- and stimulant-related harms
remains critically high and it is important to remember that each
of these deaths represents a loss that is felt in families and
communities across Canada.
There are many challenges to addressing this crisis across the
country. Along with the toxicity of the drug supply, other
challenges place some communities and populations at greater risk
of substance-related harms and adds to the complexity of this
crisis. These include social and economic factors, such as
experiences of trauma, economic insecurity, being unhoused, social
isolation, stigma as well as urban and rural disparities.
Easing the burden for those most at risk
Surveillance data helps to identify and guide our actions to
reach populations disproportionately affected by
substance-related harms and the toxic illegal drug supply. For
example, men experience the highest rates of opioid overdoses in
Canada, accounting for more than
two thirds of all opioid-related overdose deaths. Men working
in trades, including those working in construction, mining and
forestry are more impacted than those in other fields of work.
The physically demanding nature of these jobs, means that injury,
pain and stress are more common and can lead to the use of alcohol
or other substances as a way to cope. Men are often expected to
keep their substance use or mental health challenges to themselves,
making them less likely to ask for help.
The Government of Canada's Ease
the Burden campaign is working to promote help-seeking for men
in trades struggling with substance use and addiction by working to
reduce the stigma associated with addiction and providing resources
to help with substance use and other mental health challenges.
All levels of government have a role to play in addressing this
critical public health crisis. Provinces and territories are
primarily responsible for health and mental health care service
delivery. The federal role includes building data and evidence to
help guide public health actions, increasing access to treatment
and harm reduction programs and supporting prevention and education
efforts across Canada. Visit Get
Help with Substance Use for more information on resources
available both nationally and in your province or territory.
Addressing the ongoing toxic drug crisis requires long-term work
across jurisdictions and sectors, that goes beyond the immediate
response to address the foundational conditions that keep our
communities healthy and strong.
We will continue to work together across all levels of
government to monitor this situation and collaborate with partners,
Indigenous organizations and communities, and people with lived and
living experiences to make a difference and help save
lives.
Dr. Theresa Tam,
Chief Public Health Officer of Canada
Co-chair, Special Advisory Committee on Toxic Drug Poisonings
Dr. Sudit Ranade
Chief Medical Officer of Health, Yukon
Co-chair, Special Advisory Committee on Toxic Drug Poisonings
SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada
