Pubdate: Fri, 01 May 2009
Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Page: 4
Author: Mine Salkin

ILL WOMEN USERS STIGMATIZED: REPORT

Scoring street drugs is often the easier alternative to pain relief 
than acquiring prescription medication, according to a report based 
on a group of female users in the Downtown Eastside.

A two-year study conducted by the Vancouver Area Network of Drug 
Users Care Team found that 70 per cent of women requesting health 
services were stigmatized by the health-care system.

"It's easier to get drugs on the street than drugs from a doctor," 
said Dr. Amy Salmon, principal investigator from the Women's Health 
Research Institute.

Three of the 50 women in the study died before the report was 
completed. One committed suicide, another overdosed and the other 
died of untreated health conditions.

The report found nearly 40 per cent had been denied pain medication 
by health workers despite significant health issues such as arthritis 
and diabetes.

Salmon said poor communication between patients and doctors was one 
of the system's biggest failures.

"These women aren't always understood or even well-respected," she said.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart