LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Better mental health support needed for students

I am writing in response to the article entitled Students push for mental health support, by Olivia Bowden on Sept. 3. Although wonderful to see fellow students encouraging one another to share their stories, the issue of inadequate mental health support within Canadian post-secondary schools should have been addressed long before now.

As a fourth-year nursing student, I am quite familiar with the importance of maintaining overall wellness; though, I still find it difficult to identify mental health resources offered by my university due to ineffective promotion. Personally, I have always accepted that high levels of stress and being overwhelmed must be inevitable for students; however, the article has proven that this does not have to be the case.

Knowing that new students will be provided with tools, such as the PASS (Panic, Anxiety, & Stress Support) kit highlighted in the article, is inspiring – something that I would have appreciated throughout my studies. This calls for more cognitive-based approaches, such as the supportive flash cards in the PASS kit, as research shows their potential to mitigate stress for university students.

Now that the discussion has been initiated, we must support its continuation and advocate for the needs of all post-secondary students. It is important that we move forward in a way that avoids generalizing efforts as though one approach will equally benefit all institutions, given the diversity of mental health needs across campuses. While appropriate to acknowledge the accountability of colleges and universities for the issues brought forward in the article, how should we as a society bring awareness to this growing concern before another student feels the need to take matters into their own hands? Jessica Morin, BScN student, Trent University

Province needs safe injection sites

Safe injection sites are vital in reducing overdose, the transmission of communicable diseases, and death. Yet, Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliot and Premier Doug Ford put a freeze on funding these sites until the “merit” of their efficacy is reviewed, despite praise from healthcare workers countrywide. More than 850 nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals signed an open letter expressing concern for this funding freeze. The Toronto Star article “Ontario can't afford to fumble on the opioid crisis” explores the important role safe injection sites play in addressing this issue.

Safe injection sites offer a safe, clean place for people to come – supervised – to use drugs. But they are much more than that. There are sterile needles to prevent the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C. Diseases that could otherwise spread from needle-sharing and become costly health problems. There are nurses on-site to ensure that thousands of people countrywide are not overdosing – or dying, at the hands of drugs. Additionally, these sites help nurses build therapeutic relationships with clients who would otherwise be on the streets, thus aiding in the rehabilitation process of those suffering from opiate addiction. The province must continue funding these sites as they are integral in preventing disease transmission, as well as thousands of overdoses and deaths. For those who only care to crunch numbers, consider the cost of organ transplant or a hospital visit for thousands of people, versus keeping those thousands in better health.

Safe injection sites are considered “upstream” approaches, meaning that the health issue is addressed near the root, before the health issue becomes costly or irreversible. These sites are preventing costly HIV and hepatitis C transmission, as well as preventing the deaths of thousands. Ontario must continue funding safe injection sites to prevent disease transmission, overdoses and deaths in Ontario. Caitlin Michaelis Lewis, fourth-year nursing student, Trent University

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