July 29, 2024 – The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario (CMHA Ontario) recently released the results of a new Pollara survey about the ongoing opioid and drug poisoning crisis. The survey found that three quarters (73%) of Ontarians are concerned that the opioid crisis is getting worse. Moreover, seven-in-ten (71%) Ontarians want government to prioritize addressing the opioid crisis, with more than eight-in-ten preferring solutions focussed upon health care and social services supports rather than punishment via the criminal justice system.
The survey was designed, executed, and analysed by Pollara Strategic Insights, on behalf of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division. The online survey was conducted from June 21 to June 26, 2024 amongst a randomly-selected, reliable sample of N=1,053 adult Ontarians. A probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of ±1.9%, 19 times out of 20.
Notably, more than half (56%) of Ontarians report that opioid addiction is an issue of concern in their community. While 64% express empathy for those affected by opioid addiction, 42% feel that individuals struggling with opioid addiction are to blame for their problem.
For the full study results, see the CMHA release on their website.
