COVID-19 during the opioid epidemic – exacerbation of stigma and vulnerabilities
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Commentary.“We thus believe that the current COVID-19 crisis and the turmoil it is causing may both endanger and further marginalize an already at-risk population. As described, barriers to health and health care among rural PWUD predate COVID-19, and the current crisis has the potential to exacerbate these issues. While true solutions are likely complicated and long term, we encourage organizations and planners at all levels to consciously consider the needs of all members of their communities and seek to best meet all individuals where they are.”
Full citation:
Jenkins WD, Bolinski R, Bresett J, Van Ham B, Fletcher S, Walters S, Friedman SR, Ezell JM, Pho M, Schneider J, Ouellet L (2021). COVID-19 during the opioid epidemic – exacerbation of stigma and vulnerabilities
Journal of Rural Health, 37 (1), 172-174. doi: 10.1111/jrh.12442. PMCID: PMC7262104.