From health coverage for the uninsured to the disproportionate impact of the opioid crisis on the construction industry, Unity Health experts offered insights this week into our rapidly changing world. Here are our top media hits from July 23-29. 

Ontario construction workers accounted for 1 in 13 opioid deaths in recent years, report finds
The Globe and Mail on July 28, 2022
Feature of research led by Dr. Tara Gomes

Construction workers have been disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis, accounting for about one in 13 opioid-related deaths in Ontario from 2018-2020, finds new report led by Dr. Tara Gomes.

Also featured on CTV News

Are thousands of uninsured people about to lose health coverage in Ontario? Fears grow about end to COVID-era OHIP rules
Toronto Star on July 28, 2022
Interviews with Dr. Irfan Dhalla, Dr. Ritika Goel and Dr. Shazeen Suleman

St. Michael’s physicians tell the Toronto Star that Ontario’s health coverage for the uninsured has been a game-changer for patients.

Canada has fallen behind on diagnosing and treating people with HIV
The Globe and Mail on July 29, 2022
Opinion piece written by Dr. Sean Rourke

Dr. Sean Rourke lays out a three-point plan in The Globe and Mail to reach the undiagnosed and end HIV in Canada.

‘Never seen a virus that behaves this way’: Why COVID refuses to give us a break
National Post on July 23, 2022
Interview with Dr. Fahad Razak

As COVID-19 evolves, a core strategy will be one where people can live as full a life as possible while protecting the things we value, including the elderly and most vulnerable, says Dr. Fahad Razak.

The Canadian bid to turn the tide against monkeypox
Toronto Star on July 26, 2022
Interviews with Dr. Darrell Tan and Dr. Sharmistha Mishra

Dr. Darrell Tan and Dr. Sharmistha Mishra speak with the Toronto Star about why the supports needed for individuals isolating with monkeypox are ‘a public health necessity.’

Canada urges gay and bisexual men to reduce their sexual partners to stem monkeypox. Advocates want help instead
Toronto Star on July 27, 2022
Interview with Dr. Darrell Tan

Many patients with monkeypox are struggling with the financial consequences of isolation required to curb the spread of the disease, says Dr. Darrell Tan, infectious disease physician at St. Michael’s Hospital.

Also featured on CityNews

Have questions about the COVID vaccine for kids under 5? We’ve got you covered
Toronto Star on July 28, 2022
Interview with Dr. Doug Campbell

With children under five now eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, Dr. Doug Campbell, deputy chief of pediatrics at St. Michael’s Hospital, answers questions about the vaccine’s efficacy and side effects.

Also interviewed on CBC Toronto (@ 12:50)

COVID-19 vaccine bookings for babies and toddlers open in Ontario
CTV Toronto on July 27, 2022
Interview with Dr. Anne Wormsbecker

Dr. Anne Wormsbecker, pediatrician at Unity Health, tells CTV Toronto the Moderna vaccine for children under five is safe and helps to prevent COVID-19 infection.

Half a million Toronto residents sweltering in apartments with no A/C in summer heat
The Canadian Press on July 22, 2022
Interview with Dr. Samantha Green

Dr. Samantha Green, family physician at St. Michael’s, explains the health impact of extreme heat and climate change, including heat exhaustion, heat strokes and death.

A doctor takes to TikTok to educate racialized families on child health
Holland Bloorview’s BLOOM Blog on July 20, 2022
Feature of Dr. Ripudaman Minhas

Dr. Ripudaman Minhas, Unity Health pediatrician & founder of Punjabi Kids Health, speaks about newcomer families with children who have disabilities, creating culturally-tailored health social media, and the joys of his work.

Nursing students backstop Toronto ER in ‘tight situation,’ union concerned
The Canadian Press on July 25, 2022
Interview with Dr. James Maskalyk

Dr. James Maskalyk, emergency physician at St. Michael’s, reflects on the importance of nurses to the health care system and patient care.

Toronto Public Health issues alert after 10 people die of suspected opioid overdoses in 5 days
CBC Toronto on July 26, 2022
Interview with Hayley Thompson

Hayley Thompson, project manager of Toronto’s Drug Checking Service, talks to CBC Toronto about the alarming increase in fatal opioid overdoses.