Another study has confirmed earlier research showing that residents of the Hastings, Prince Edward, and Lennox and Addington region aren’t as healthy as those living elsewhere in Ontario.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s Board of Directors saw the 2024 Community Health Profile Wednesday and the picture wasn’t pretty.
Residents in this region tend to be older and sicker, and have less access to primary care than elsewhere. People here tend to be less financially secure while suffering from more food insecurity. As well, there are higher rates of chronic disease and cancer.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ethan Toumishey says despite its negativity the health profile is crucial information.
” It’s going to require an all-society approach looking how to resource the health care system, how we’re setting up our community to have their best health through life. This is very concerning as we see these trends developing over time.”
Substance abuse and mental health issues continue to increase locally and are already above provincial averages.
The Community Health Profile uses statistics from the last five years of publicly available data.
