Toronto Public Health reports a concerning increase in deaths among individuals experiencing homelessness, with an average of over five deaths per week in the first six months of 2024. The data, including previously unavailable information from the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario, reveals a total of 135 deaths, highlighting the urgent need for increased support and resources for this vulnerable population.
Toronto recorded an average of more than five deaths per week among individuals experiencing homelessness during the first six months of 2024. This grim statistic reveals that a total of 135 deaths occurred between January 1st and June 30th last year. While this figure represents a slight increase compared to the first six months of 2023 (five more deaths), it marks a decrease of 20 deaths compared to the same period in 2022.
Toronto Public Health (TPH) attributes the new data to the inclusion of numbers from the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario (OCC), which were previously unavailable. This addition resulted in revised counts for the first half of 2024 and updated figures for 2022 and 2023. Previously, the city reported 189 deaths in 2022 and 150 deaths in 2023. However, with the newly available OCC data, the updated numbers indicate 331 reported deaths in 2022 and 300 deaths in 2023.TPH data consistently highlights the tragically high rate of premature death among individuals experiencing homelessness. The median age of death for the first six months of 2024 stood at 50. Furthermore, men accounted for 77 percent of homeless deaths during this period. Acute drug toxicity remains the leading cause of death, claiming over half (54 percent) of reported deaths among people experiencing homelessness in the first half of last year. Unknown or pending explanations accounted for the second highest number of deaths at 26 percent, followed by diseases such as cancer, chronic alcohol use, pneumonia, and others at seven percent.The updated city data also sheds light on the location of these deaths. A concerning 30 percent of homeless deaths from January to June in 2024 occurred outdoors, while 23 percent occurred in shelters. An additional 15 percent took place in hospitals or clinics. This data underscores the systemic challenges faced by this vulnerable population and the urgent need for comprehensive support services
HOMELESSNESS DEATHS TORONTO PUBLIC HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Toronto Housing Market Sees Uptick in 2024 SalesDespite a slow start in 2024, the Toronto housing market experienced an increase in sales towards the end of the year, driven by falling mortgage rates and new government borrowing policies.
Read more »
Greater Toronto home sales dip in December to cap 'transitionary' 2024: boardTORONTO — Greater Toronto home sales fell slightly last month to cap a year that saw buyers take advantage of 'substantial negotiating power' on price.
Read more »
Greater Toronto Home Sales Dip in December, 2024 Shows Modest GrowthGreater Toronto home sales experienced a slight decline in December, marking the end of a year that saw moderate growth compared to 2023. Buyers capitalized on a strong negotiating position, leading to a decrease in average selling prices.
Read more »
Greater Toronto Home Sales Decline in December, 2024 Ends as Year of Buyer PowerGreater Toronto home sales dropped slightly in December 2024, marking the end of a year where buyers held significant negotiating power due to increased interest rates.
Read more »
“A Transitionary Year”: Toronto Home Sales, Prices Flat In 2024Zakiya has reported on real estate for Apartment Therapy, Curbed, and Post City Magazines. She also writes a quarterly series for a Canadian design publication.
Read more »
Greater Toronto Home Sales Fall Slightly in December as 2024 Ends with Buyer's MarketGreater Toronto Area home sales saw a slight decline in December 2024, marking the end of a year where buyers benefited from strong negotiating power. The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board reported 3,359 home sales, down 1.8% from the previous year. The average selling price also dipped 1.6% to $1,067,186. 2024 proved to be a 'transitionary' year with sales up 2.6% but new listings surging 16.4%, giving buyers ample choice and preventing widespread price growth. High interest rates continued to pose affordability challenges, but the Bank of Canada's rate cuts in the second half of the year provided some relief.
Read more »