In the news release, First Nations Opioid Overdose Deaths Rise in 2018, issued 27-May-2019 by First Nations Health Authority over CNW, we are advised by the company that Judy Darcy and Bonnie Henry's quotes have been amended. The complete, corrected release follows:
COAST SALISH TERRITORY, May 27, 2019 /CNW/ - The number of First Nations lives lost to the opioid epidemic continued to rise last year even as the overall mortality rates in British Columbia show signs of dropping, making the emergency a severe and persistent threat to our families and communities.
In 2018, 193 First Nations men and women died of an overdose in the province, a 21 percent increase from a year earlier. Overall, First Nations accounted for 13 percent of overdose deaths, up from 11 percent in 2017.
"This is no longer just a short-term emergency, it is a long-term public health crisis that requires a long-term response," said Grand Chief Doug Kelly, Chairperson, First Nations Health Council. "Because of the complex underlying causes that result in First Nations' over representation in this crisis, increased resources and efforts are needed to address the widening gap between the general population and First Nations."
Since the beginning of the state of emergency in 2016, First Nations have been over-represented in the statistics. Last year First Nations were 4.2 times more likely to die of an overdose than the rest of the population. In 2015, this figure was just 3.0.
"There's a strong association between trauma and the propensity for a substance use disorder. Whether that be intergenerational trauma that has impacted families and communities and ultimately individuals, or if it's the ongoing trauma of people's lives" said Dr. Evan Adams, Chief Medical Officer of the First Nations Health Authority. "What alarms me the most is how the gap is widening."
The data reveals how First Nations women are uniquely impacted. In 2018, 39% of all fatal overdoses for First Nations are among women, compared with a rate of 17% for non-First Nations deaths.
"Coroners gather significant valuable information about those dying from drug toxicity in the province and we share this information in support of meaningful prevention efforts," said Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe. "Our data tells us that, overall, substantially more men than women are dying as a result of illicit drug use; primarily due to fentanyl. Data specific to First Nations people tells a different story. In the First Nations population, women are significantly over-represented, demonstrating a far more significant impact of the overdose crisis on this specific group. Information like this supports important evidence-based prevention efforts."
Community-driven responses to the crisis have been effective in increasing education and services within BC First Nation communities. However, the latest numbers indicate that First Nations living in cities may not be accessing health services to the degree that other people in BC are.
This points to a need for greater cultural safety and humility in health services. There are many barriers to treatment for Indigenous people including underlying systemic racism and experiences of stigma among people who consume alcohol and other substances.
"We have learned that barriers can come down when health care services are culturally-safe and community-led" said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. "Addressing the root causes, and underlying factors of addiction is key to our shared response to this achingly long public health emergency. Together we are making significant new investments to expand on First Nations-led treatment services so they are accessible to First Nations individuals, families and communities across B.C."
Many First Nations people in BC are less advantaged than other populations, creating vulnerabilities related to the social determinants of health like poverty and lack of housing, which are also predictors of substance use disorder and addiction.
"It is distressing to see the continued disproportionate impact of this crisis on First Nations people and particularly women. We know that when women are so affected it means families and whole communities are disrupted. We need to address the underlying causes of the pain and trauma that lead to drug use and addiction." Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer.
Learn more:
To find out more about First Nations Health Authority, visit: http://www.fnha.ca/
Backgrounder
Actions taken in 2017/2018
FNHA is incorporating the wisdom of First Nations People with lived experience (peers) in its response to the overdose crisis.
SOURCE First Nations Health Authority
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