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AOHC speaks out against means testing for senior drug benefits
"Evidence shows that prescription drug user fees decrease the use of prescription drugs for people with chronic illnesses and the poor. Cost sharing leads to patients forgoing essential medications and to a decline in health care status, so any savings may be offset by increases in other health care areas"
In follow up to the resolution opposing means testing passed unanimously at our June AGM, AOHC has written to the Health Minister and the Premier. The rising cost of prescription drugs has prompted the Ontario government to require higher income seniors to make co-payments for prescription drugs, starting August 2014.
AOHC believes instead the government should find revenue through a progressive tax system to fund and expand quality services which are universally accessible. AOHC members are encouraged to send a similar letter to their MPP expressing opposition to means testing and user fees.
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Poverty reduction: Ontario sees decline in child poverty
New Statistics Canada numbers show Ontario's child poverty rate of 13.8% in 2011 was down from 15.2% three years earlier. This shows progress as a result of Ontario's Poverty Reduction Strategy, but it's unclear if the goal of a 25% cut by 2013 will be met. Community consultations are expected in August to get input for Ontario's next 5 year plan.
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World Hepatitis Day is July 28th
Every year on July 28th, the World Hepatitis Alliance and healthcare workers across the globe mark World Hepatitis Day to increase the awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis and the diseases that it causes.
In Windsor, they have gone one step further and have declared the entire week of July 22-28 as Hepatitis Awareness Week.
More information from the World Hepatitis Alliance
View proclamation made in Windsor
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New report reveals immigrant workers are living near-poverty conditions
Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services has released a new research report titled 'Where are the Good Jobs?' This report contains ten powerful case stories of immigrant families from racialized background who are struggling to find stable employment in Canada.
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North Lambton CHC completes diabetes program
Congratulations to North Lambton Community Health Centre who recently completed The Diabetes Standards Recognition Program, granted by Canadian Diabetes Association.
More information on the program
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Volunteers needed to participate in research study
OCAD University and in collaboration with researchers at the Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation are conducting a study to improve the usability of online resources for people with chronic diseases and disabilities. Looking for volunteers over the age of 50 with a chronic disease or disability who is managing several health conditions or, a caregiver (over the age of 18) for an adult managing many health conditions.
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Show support for supervised injection sites in Toronto
Yesterday, Toronto's Board of Health made a landmark decision to support safe-injection sites in the city. However, the Province needs to agree to fund the pilot projects.
RNAO has set up a site for you to send Deb Matthews a letter asking her to support safe injection services. You can also sign a petition to Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq to stop Bill C-65.
Click here to send a letter to Deb Matthews
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People's Shadow Summit & Rally for Medicare
During the Council of the Federal annual meeting with all the Premiers on July 24-25 in Niagara- on- the- Lake, the Ontario Health Coalition is holding a Shadow Summit to push for the renewal of the National Health Accord and federal support for Medicare. The event includes workshops, media events and a rally on July 25th at 11am to call on the federal government to get back to the table to renew the Health Accord which expires in 2014.
More information
Twitter hashtag: #Stand4Medicare #CouncilofFed
Facebook page: Tell Harper to renew Canada's Health Accord
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