Interior Health report informs ongoing efforts to save lives at risk from poisoned drugs
On International Overdose Awareness Day, Interior Health has released the 2022 Medical Health Officer (MHO) report, The Toxic Drug Crisis in BC’s Southern Interior Region (Part 2). Authored by MHO Dr. Carol Fenton, the report updates on the impact of the unregulated substance poisoning emergency since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, explores the various reasons […]
At least 198 lost to toxic drugs in July as public health emergency continues
For the 13th consecutive month, more than 190 British Columbians have lost their lives to the toxic, unregulated drug supply, according to preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service. “I am saddened to once again report that British Columbia’s toxic drug crisis shows no signs of abating,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner. “We are […]
Opinion: Why have we let it come to this?
On July 6, the world’s average temperature was the hottest ever recorded, at 17.23 C. That beat the previous highs on… July 3 and 4! June was the hottest month ever, but July is shaping up to be even hotter. Experts expect more records to break over the next while, as an El Niño weather pattern combines with record emissions...
BC Coroners Service issues public safety bulletin about wildfire smoke
As confirmed by his parents, the BC Coroners Service is investigating the death of nine-year-old Carter Vigh of 100 Mile House, related to an existing medical condition aggravated by wildfire smoke. The sudden and unexpected death of this young boy is a heartbreaking loss for his family and community. As the province experiences...
NEW DRUG ALERT Trail and surrounding area
Interior Health has issued an ADDITIONAL DRUG ALERT for Trail after a samples are believed to be connected with multiple drug poisoning events in the community causing paranoia, disorientation and decreased mobility in addition to loss of consciousness. Samples are being sent for further analysis as they contained unidentified...
More than 1,000 lives lost to toxic unregulated drugs in first five months of 2023
Though the risk of death posed by the unregulated drug supply remains extremely high, the number of deaths in British Columbia due to drug toxicity decreased from near-record levels in April to 176 lives lost in the month of May. “BC Coroners Service findings confirm that this public-health emergency continues to be driven ...
Pharmacists can prescribe contraceptives, treatments for minor ailments
Starting June 1, 2023, people in B.C. can get prescriptions from their pharmacist for contraceptives and medications to treat 21 minor ailments, such as allergies, shingles, cold sores, pink eye and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. “We are delivering on our commitment to give pharmacists the power to provide prescriptions,”...
Column: Affordable ways to avoid climate catastrophe
Cutting greenhouse gas emissions to keep the world from heating to catastrophic levels is entirely possible and would save money. Although emissions continue to rise, there’s still time to reverse course. Ways to slash them by more than half over the next seven years are readily available and cost-effective — and...
Supreme Court of Canada upholds BC Supreme Court's landmark decision protecting public health care
Today, the Supreme Court of Canada dismissed Cambie Surgeries Corporation’s (CSC) attempt to overturn previous decisions made by BC’s courts that upheld the BC Medicare Protection Act. This decision marks the end of the corporation’s lengthy legal battle to overturn key provisions in the BC Medicare Protection Act that ensure...
COLUMN: The benefits of decisive action on climate change
Decisive climate action will bring a healthier, more prosperous future There’s no shortage of available, affordable solutions to avoid the worst impacts of a changing climate — and more are being developed every day. Employing them will also bring many other benefits. But with the world rapidly heading toward the threshold ...
