Northern Ontario has some of the highest rates of opioid-related deaths in the province. But thanks to research at Health Sciences North Research Institute (HSNRI), we’re learning how to better support people living with opioid addiction—especially in rural and remote communities.
A recent study led by Dr. Kristen Morin looked at 100,000 patients across Ontario to understand who stays on opioid agonist treatment (OAT) and why. OAT is the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder. But in the North, many people—especially young women living in rural areas or facing homelessness—struggle to stay in treatment.
Through these cohort papers, researchers are able to study health trends to see how people progress over time.
This research is helping shine a light on the unique challenges in the North and is guiding better, more targeted care. Read more on the study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39869239/