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New Brunswick Health Zone 5: Suicide a Top Avoidable Death Cause
16 Jan
Summary
- Health Zone 5 has significantly higher avoidable death rates.
- Suicide ranks as the fourth-highest avoidable cause of death.
- Economic depression is cited as a contributing factor to poor health.
New Brunswick's Health Zone 5, encompassing the Restigouche area, exhibits a concerning health profile, with the New Brunswick Health Council reporting notably higher rates of avoidable deaths. Between 2019 and 2022, this region saw an average of 272.5 avoidable deaths per 100,000 people, surpassing the provincial average.
While lung cancer and heart disease are leading avoidable causes province-wide, suicide stands out in Zone 5 as the fourth-highest cause, a rank significantly higher than elsewhere in New Brunswick. This disparity highlights the urgent need for improved mental health services, especially in rural areas where access may be limited.
Economic factors also play a critical role, with the Restigouche region experiencing job losses and rising living costs, potentially limiting residents' options. Experts suggest a systemic failure requires targeted, region-specific action and increased provincial budget allocation for mental health services.
