Please join the Coastal Research, Education, and Advocacy Network (CREAN) for a conversation about barriers to accessing over-the-counter medications for Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia.
The event will feature guest speakers providing insightful discussion on barriers facing Indigenous community members and suggestions for increased access. This is an opportunity for community members to learn more about this issue and/or share their first hand experiences.
In 2020, Indigenous community members approached CREAN with concerns about difficulties getting over-the-counter (OTC) medication costs covered in BC. In response, CREAN established a community Advisory Committee and undertook a mixed-methods study examining Indigenous experiences of accessing insurance coverage for OTC medications. Reducing barriers to coverage is an important step in helping close the gap on health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
The study results showed a lack of awareness, information, and understanding of insurance program coverage for OTC medications in BC, on the part of Indigenous individuals and healthcare providers. Many participants felt that whether or not coverage is obtained depends on the response of the specific pharmacist/pharmacy; pharmacists reported that they feel they are often putting in extra work to ensure coverage is provided. Indigenous participants emphasized that experiences of racism and discrimination are common when attempting to access coverage for OTC medication.
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Tickets:
Accessibility:
Email all accessibility requests to hello@creansociety.org, or call 250-721-9611.
St. Ann's Academy is not wheelchair accessible.
An ASL interpreter is confirmed, but please email us by Friday, March 8 if you'll be needing this service so we can pre-arrange seating, etc.
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This conversation is part of CREAN’s Cracks in the Concrete Conference, March 22-24 2024. The Conference is a weekend of collaboration, creativity, curiosity, networking, and interactive discussions. Through hosting the Cracks in the Concrete Conference, CREAN hopes to spark interest in under-researched topics, strengthen research and education networks, and provide information to community members in an inclusive and accessible manner. Visit www.creansociety.ca/conference for more information.
Contact:
250-721-9611
hello@creansociety.org
www.creansociety.ca/conference
We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen (Chekonein, Chilcowitch, Swengwhung, Kosampsom, Whyomilth, Teechamitsa, Kakyaakan, Songhees, Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ (SȾÁUTW/Tsawout, W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/Pauquachin, WSIḴEM/Tseycum) Peoples.