According to the report, Indigenous students reported the highest rates of negative mental health impacts during the pandemic at more than 70 per cent.
A new commentary in the Canadian Medical Association Journal is calling on officials to "dismantle anti-Black racism in health care to address its harmful effects on people's health."
To counter the looming mental health crisis and improve student retention, federal and state governments must respond to the needs of these students beyond spouting platitudes and advising them to exercise, drink water and think positively.
The paper makes 24 recommendations on how to improve health care, including mandatory training on Indigenous-specific racism and colonialism in post-secondary programs for health practitioners,
With the winter months looming ahead, and no real end in sight for a return to campus, it’s important to consider how the stressors associated with COVID-19 and social isolation will impact this vulnerable population.
