More people in B.C. can now get timely, personalized addictions care as government expands Access Central, a phone line that provides a single point of entry to connect people to certified health providers, and comprehensive, people-centred care. “Supports like Access Central make a real difference for people on their road to recovery,” said Josie Osborne, […]

The Nelson Community Health Services Centre remains temporarily closed due to water damage that occurred in the afternoon of Dec. 30. Interior Health does not have a confirmed date for re-opening of the health services centre at this time. Services provided at the centre are being reestablished at alternate locations, including unused space at the neighbouring Nelson Fairview […]

The Kootenay Emergency Response Physicians Association (KERPA) is thrilled to announce that Dr. Brock Browett, a dedicated resident physician and experienced paramedic, is joining the organization as an Emergency Response Physician in training. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Dr. Browett brings over a decade of frontline expertise as a licensed Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP). He has […]

[Editor’s note: The content in this article can usefully be applied to interactions in families, schools, churches, and other institutions and organizations — it isn’t limited to businesses or “work”.]   By Christine C. Hwang, Daniel L. Brady, Laurie J. Barclay, and Robert J. Bies   Most people recognize that we shouldn’t actively harm others […]

B.C.’s independent Human Rights Commissioner is expressing serious concerns about recently released General Guidance for Physicians on Treatment of Children and Youth with Substance Use Disorders Under the Mental Health Act(opens in a new window). Commissioner Kasari Govender is concerned the guidance runs contrary to the government’s human rights obligations by ignoring important evidence on the ineffectiveness of involuntary […]

Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, has issued the following statement on immunizations for the holiday season: “As people in British Columbia gather to celebrate the holiday season, I encourage everyone to get their updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to protect themselves and their loved ones against severe illness. “Based on the most recent epidemiological […]

Starting this week, patients visiting four Interior Health (IH) emergency departments (EDs) may receive care from a physician working virtually. This is part of IH LINK-ED (Local Integrated Network for Emergency Departments), a new virtual care pilot designed to modernize emergency care services for rural communities. “Integrating virtual care into emergency services is a proven approach already delivering results […]

KERPA is celebrating a huge moment for rural critical emergency care in the Kootenays as a new doctor achieves training to join emergency physician response team. After 440+ hours of rigorous training — including 300+ hours of one-on-one in-car mentoring under direct physician supervision, countless high-fidelity simulations, advanced airway labs, advanced life support and trauma […]

According to preliminary data, 150 people died in October 2025 due to unregulated drug toxicity, as reported by the BC Coroners Service. The number of unregulated drug deaths in October equates to about 4.8 deaths per day. In 2025, deaths among those between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 70% of drug-toxicity deaths […]

By Colin King, Amy Rzezniczek and Rachel Krahn, Western University What if a storybook could help parents manage their child’s anxiety? Anxiety can be described as persistent, recurring intrusive thoughts or feelings, and physiological or behavioural responses that are considered disproportionate to the perceived threat. It is among the most common mental health concerns in children […]