Concern Over Violent Crime’s Impact On Health Sector

Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs Minister Moses Jn Baptiste is concerned about violent crime’s impact on many sectors, particularly health. He spoke at Wednesday’s media launch of the 68th Annual Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Health Research Conference. The Minister highlighted that the impact of crime on health ranges from physical injuries to mental health disorders. He told the event that anxiety and depression are also prevalent in communities most affected by criminal activity. Jn Baptiste said the health sector faces increased costs related to treatment, hospitalizations, diagnoses, and sick leave days. He explained that this puts a strain on resources that could be used to manage chronic and other conditions and results in health workers’ burnout. Jn Baptiste declared that a public health approach would identify the determinants and prevention strategies to address crime and violence. He said such an approach would involve multiple agencies to facilitate a holistic approach. In addition, the Minister said the CARPHA conference would provide policymakers with ‘great insight’ into research and clinical findings to make evidence-based decisions. The article Concern Over Violent Crime’s Impact On Health Sector is from St. Lucia Times.