Algoma Public Health
- Chapter 7 - Substance Use Health
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Chapter 7 - Substance Use Health
Key Messages:
- Like other regions in Northern Ontario, Algoma has disproportionately higher rates of opioid-related
hospitalizations and deaths compared to Southern Ontario. In 2022, the rates of deaths and hospitalizations due to opioid toxicity in Algoma were almost three times higher than in Ontario.
- Algoma has higher rates of smoking, heavy drinking and cannabis use compared to the provincial
average. For example, the rate of daily smoking in Algoma is 16.2%, compared to 10.1% for Ontario.
- Vaping has become popular among youth, with 1 in 4 Ontario students in grades 7-12 reporting having
vaped. The majority (84%) vape nicotine which is highly addictive.
- Algoma Public Health works closely with a variety of partners, to support the health, wellness, and safety
of people who use substances.
