Research summary
Socio-economic marginalization, such as from poverty or unemployment, is one of the triggers for substance use. But the dynamics of this type of social exclusion are not fully understood, and strategies to address them among people who use drugs are both exceptionally rare and urgently needed. As Canada Research Chair in Social Inclusion and Health Equity, Dr. Lindsey Richardson is trying to develop some.
Linking observational, intervention and research participation studies, she and her research team are exploring the connection between socio-economic marginalization and health equity. They are also working on an integrated knowledge translation and exchange strategy to bolster this research. They want to ensure it will be relevant to communities and have the maximum possible impact on public policy.