Ashley Miller, a professor in UBC’s faculty of medicine, spoke to Metro News about why doctors recommend screening for poverty as an important health factor.
She said helping patients access tax benefits or social services is a crucial first step.
“If you really take poverty into account, if you can get a cheaper alternative medication, then they can take it as opposed to not being treated,” she said. “If you fill out an application for a family for social housing and you explain why it’s needed and they get proper housing, a child gets their own room and can sleep better. That can make a huge difference.”
