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,”...
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...
B.C. renews use of emergency operation centres to support patients, hospitals
Beginning Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, emergency operation centres (EOCs) will be reactivated in health authorities to ensure patients continue to have access to the hospital care services they need as respiratory illness season continues in B.C. Activating EOCs is another proactive step in the Province’s plan to provide enhanced ...
Minister’s statement on mental-health supports for the holiday season
Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the following year-end statement regarding mental-health supports during the holiday season: “The holiday season is a time for celebrations, but for many, it can also be the season of loneliness, stress and difficult memories. “British Columbians have...
RDKB concerned regarding possible closure of ER at Boundary Hospital
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is sounding alarm bells about a possible closure of the emergency room at Boundary Regional Hospital in Grand Forks. In a media release regarding the possible closure Wednesday, RDKB officials are officials calling for urgent action from the Provincial government to stop this decision...
At least 10,000 lives lost to illicit drugs since declaration of public health emergency
At least 1,095 British Columbians are believed to have been lost to the toxic drug supply between January and June 2022, according to preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service. “The ever-increasing toxicity of the unregulated, illicit drug market is taking a heart-breaking toll on the lives and well-being of members...
OP/ED: Demand the 9-1-1 Service You Deserve
An Open Letter to all British Columbians: As British Columbians, we all rely on certain core services being available at the most critical moments of our lives. Because when they aren’t, an urgent situation can become catastrophic. We are taught from a young age that, when there’s an emergency, we should reach for the nearest...
Seniors Advocate urges seniors and caregivers to prepare for rising temperatures
Hot and dry weather is forecast for many regions of B.C. and rising temperatures may put vulnerable seniors at risk. Currently, forecasted temperatures are not expected to rise to the level of an extreme heat emergency, however, they are forecast to be higher than normal and will create heat wave conditions in certain areas...
