Government of Yukon releases the 2023 Yukon Health Status Report
Press Release
November 27, 2024
Last week, the Government of Yukon tabled the 2023 Health Status Report in the Yukon Legislative Assembly. Submitted by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the report offers a comprehensive overview of the health and wellbeing of Yukoners, focusing on key areas such as chronic disease trends, mental health and substance use, social determinants of health and access to services.
The report underscores that health is shaped by more than just health care, as social conditions, community connections and health behaviours are all critical influences. By examining factors such as education, income and access to resources, the report provides a detailed picture of health outcomes across territory.
Some of the report’s key findings include the following.
- A decline in access to regular health care providers, alongside higher emergency room visits related to mental health and substance use.
- Yukoners continue to face challenges in mental health and substance use, but strong community connections remain a positive factor in wellbeing.
- New cancer cases have been decreasing since 2018.
- Six per cent of residents are living with diabetes and 21 per cent managing hypertension.
- Falls are the leading cause of injury-related emergency visits and injury hospitalization rates are higher than the national average, although decreasing in recent years.
- The birth rate is declining, similar to national trends.
- The Yukon has higher breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity compared to national figures.
The report’s insights will guide future health policies and investments, helping to provide Yukoners with the care and support they need. The health system will continue to adapt, delivering more integrated and responsive care to meet the unique needs of the territory.
Brief updates to the health status report are expected annually until the next full report.
The 2023 Health Status Report highlights the health challenges Yukoners face, from rising chronic disease rates to mental health and substance use concerns. This report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses not just health care, but the social factors that shape our health. Our government is committed to ensuring all Yukoners have access to the resources and support they need for a healthier, more equitable future.
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
This report provides a broad picture of Yukoners’ health and shows that health care is only one piece of what makes us healthy and what keeps us healthy. Social, economic and environmental factors are key drivers of health status and health outcomes. By understanding these influences, we can make better decisions and build systems that are more integrated, accessible and focused on keeping the whole Yukon population healthy and well.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade
Media contact
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Ayodeji Awobamise
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-334-8342
ayodeji.awobamise@yukon.ca
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