Province continues to ensure people are protected from COVID-19, measles
Starting Tuesday, April 8, 2025, free additional COVID-19 vaccines will be available to people in B.C., with a focus on those who are at higher risk of severe illness. “While the peak of respiratory illnesses has passed, influenza, COVID-19 and RSV are still here, and we must continue to practise healthy habits to keep illnesses […]
Deaths of unhoused British Columbians rose sharply in 2023
At least 458 people experiencing homelessness died in British Columbia in 2023, according to data from the BC Coroners Service. This reflects an increase of 23% from 2022 (373) and is nearly three times the number of people who died while experiencing homelessness in the province in 2020 (155). “The data speaks to the tragic […]
KBRH Health Foundation Launches $2 Million “Mental Health Matters” Campaign
The KBRH Health Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its most ambitious fundraising initiative to date, the $2 million Mental Health Matters campaign. This transformative effort aims to revitalize mental health services across the Kootenay Boundary region by funding critical upgrades to the Daly Pavilion, Harbour House, and the Pediatric Outdoor Space at KBRH. Meeting […]
BC hockey hero scores off-ice hat trick addressing mental heath issues, fear and success
Heroes are typically seen as people who do amazing things in spite of overwhelming adversity. We often think of these people putting themselves in physical harms way to save the lives of others, but sometimes being a hero is as simple as sharing a story. On January 30th, 2025, The Campbell River RCMP were pleased […]
More substance-use treatment coming to B.C.
As many as 250 people with addictions challenges in B.C. will have more options to help them move toward recovery with newly opened substance-use treatment beds in their communities. “When someone reaches out for help with their substance use, they should receive compassionate and effective care,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “We are expanding services across […]
Selkirk College Practical Nursing Program Graduates First Cohort
Filling an essential gap in the region’s frontline health care needs, the first cohort of graduates from Selkirk College’s Practical Nursing Program are now out in communities making a difference. Spurred by staff shortages across the sector, the Provincial Government provided funding for new seats at post-secondary institutions across British Columbia in late-2022. Students in […]
Minister’s statement on public drug use legislation
Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement in response to the Province repealing Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act: “From the beginning, our goal has been to make it easier for people struggling with addiction to get the help they need. Although the number of deaths from […]
155 people lost to poisoned drugs in BC in October
Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, has released the following statement regarding the BC Coroners Service report on illicit drug toxicity deaths in October 2024: “Today’s report from the BC Coroners Service is a reminder of the ongoing devastation caused by the toxic-drug crisis and my heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of […]
Final update on human avian influenza case in B.C.
An extensive, multi-agency public-health investigation into an avian influenza case involving a B.C. teenager has identified no additional cases nor evidence of human-to-human transmission. The goals of the investigation were to identify any contacts who may have had exposure to the teenager, determine the source of exposure, and ensure that there was no risk of […]
Food Barometer reveals Canadians expect industry-wide transition to sustainable food
Today Sodexo Canada released the results of its second Sustainable Food Barometer. The latest research reveals the majority of consumers are already on this journey and expect an industry-wide, multi-strategy approach in navigating the Canadian transition to a more sustainable diet. Beyond the health benefits, over two fifths of Canadians associate sustainable food with reduced waste […]