A new study from the University of British Columbia says five per cent of Canadians are avoiding their prescription medicines because of the cost.
The survey shows one in 20 skipped doses, delayed refilling their prescriptions, or didn’t fill them at all because they couldn’t afford it.
Women and younger people were most likely to skip their prescriptions because of cost.
Monica Lumley-Peircey from North Hastings Community Cupboard Foodbank says that foodbank users sometimes put off filling prescriptions, having to put the need for food ahead of medicine.
“They wait for prescriptions that they need, or they’re not paying another bill to get prescriptions. Those sorts of things we hear locally.”
Lumley-Peircey says that last month alone the foodbank saw a 26 % increase in users.
“We’re concerned. We’re really encouraging people to continue giving at the tills and No Frills and Foodland up to the 24th and to donate online at our Canada Helps page. We really need the help because after Christmas is done, we don’t know what’s going to happen. and we need to be ready.”
People can donate to the North Hastings Community cupboard foodbank online at their website through Canada Helps.
You can find out more at their website or facebook page.
