Pandemic, stigma a double barrier to health care for people who use substances, says public health expert – Folio

January 12, 2022

Elaine Hyshka is one of three leading U of A researchers to join the ranks of new and renewed Canada Research Chairs.

Hospitals aren’t better equipped to help those struggling with a substance use disorder because of ongoing stigma in health care, according to a University of Alberta public health researcher who suggests the pandemic has underscored the need for change.

“Even though we have a wide range of very effective interventions for reducing the risk of overdose death for people who use substances widely available in the community, they are not really available in hospitals,” said Elaine Hyshka, researcher in the School of Public Health and new Canada Research Chair in Health Systems Innovation.

“It’s kind of ironic because hospitals are where people expect the highest standard of health care to be provided.”

Read More: https://www.ualberta.ca/folio/2022/01/pandemic-stigma-a-double-barrier-to-health-care-for-people-who-use-substances-says-public-health-expert.html