Last bills mark end of MSP premiums in BC
The BC Government recently announced that people in B.C. will receive their last bill for Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums in December 2019, putting more money back into the pockets of British Columbians, as the B.C. government works to make life more affordable for all. “The cost of health care should not be a burden on...
Drug Alert for Grand Forks
In a media release Friday afternoon, Interior Health said it has been notified of recent DAS Health Canada lab findings that have cause for concern in the City of Grand Forks. The IH release said: Sample was received by DAS labs with CDN 80 markings and contained AB-FUBINACA, fentanyl, cocaine and acetylfentanyl (see attached...
Food prices for Canadian families on the rise
Researchers at Dalhousie University and the University of Guelph are forecasting that food prices for Canadian families will rise between two to four percent in 2020. The forecast comes in the 10th annual edition of Canada’s Food Price Report, bringing the predicted annual cost of food for the average Canadian...
Hospital Access Changes (with updated site map)
Here's a message from Interior Health for everyone who needs to go to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital: Patients and visitors are advised that the access route to Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) is changing. The walkway that runs around the construction zone will be adjusted effective Nov. 25. Signage will...
50,000 overdoses reversed with naloxone kits in B.C.
More than 50,000 kits containing the life-saving medication naloxone have been used to reverse opioid overdoses in B.C. In total, 175,022 naloxone kits have been reported distributed to people who use drugs and those who are likely to witness an overdose through the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) Take Home Naloxone...
Probable case of vaping-related illness found in B.C.
VICTORIA - Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, has confirmed the first probable case of a vaping-related illness in B.C. There are several other investigations underway that may also meet the case definition of probable or confirmed vaping-related illness in the near future. "These are the first cases of vaping-related...
Slocan Community Health Centre welcomes two new physicians
In a media release Monday, Interior Health announced that two new physicians are joining the local health care team at the Slocan Community Health Centre (SCHC) in New Denver. Interior Health said that Dr. Svet Gueordjev and Dr. Sean Wachtel will start seeing patients as of Tuesday, October 1, joining long-time New Denver...
Greta Thunberg: 'How dare you!'
Greta Thunberg’s speech to the UN was transcribed. Here is the full text. For the full effect, though, listen to her speech at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYqtXR8iPlE In response to the question, “What’s your message to world leaders today?” Thunberg responded as follows: Greta Thunberg: “My message is...
Health Canada warns of potential risk of pulmonary illness associated with vaping products
In a media release Thursday, Health Canada said it is advising Canadians who use vaping products to monitor themselves for symptoms of pulmonary illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, chest pain) and to seek medical attention promptly if they have concerns about their health. This caution comes in the wake of the recent...
Op/Ed: Stigma – Words matter
By Corinne Dolman, Director, Substance Use, Interior Health Getting “clean.” “Junkie.” “Addict.” “Dirty” needles. The language we use to refer to people with substance use disorders can elicit many negative stereotypes. Substance use disorders are more highly stigmatized than any other health condition. This is largely due ...
