Smoking & Tobacco

Smoking

Tobacco use is one of the single largest threats to the health of individuals and communities in the Island Health region. Smoking kills more people in British Columbia than all other drugs, motor vehicle collisions, murder, suicide and HIV/AIDS combined. Read more about tobacco.

There are things you can do to prevent illnesses related to tobacco use, for yourself and your community.

Smoking and COVID-19

People who smoke and vape – even younger people - are at higher risk of more severe illness and complications from COVID-19.

If you smoke or vape, remember to maintain a safe physical distance from others. 

Wash your hands well with soap and water before and after smoking or vaping. Do not share cigarettes, joints, pipes, water pipes or vaping devices.

It's a good time to quit smoking and vaping. Get quit support at quitnow.ca

Learn about cannabis and your health.

Reasons to quit

Everyone has his or her own reasons for quitting, like the effects on your health and the impacts on your family. Knowing your reasons for quitting can help you stay motivated. 

Help to quit

It’s never too late to quit smoking. There are supports available to help you start a smoke-free life:

Tobacco-free living

Island Health’s Tobacco and Vapour Prevention and Control program helps promote tobacco and vapour-free activities and smoke and vapour-free places particularly for young people.

Visiting an Island Health facility

Island Health has a smoke-free premises policy. Having surgery? Get help to quit smoking before surgery.  

Resources for Health Professionals

Helping People Quit. 
Smoking Cessation Intranet site 

Indigenous Communities

The Indigenous Healthy Living Activities (AHLA)  is a provincially funded program designed to bring together community leaders and individuals who are passionate about health and wellness and to promote healthy living including reduction of tobacco misuse. Contact the program manager  for more information.  

Additional Resources

Smart Steps towards a tobacco-free life Booklet - Adult
Smart Steps to Help Make Quitting Easier Booklet – Family and Friends
Smart Steps to Quitting Commercial Tobacco Booklet - Indigenous

News & Events

Wood burning outdoors

Breathe easier: Reduce residential wood smoke to enhance our air quality

With fall well underway, days are shortening, temperatures are dropping and some residents across the Island Health region are stoking up their wood stoves and other devices to fend off chillier weather.

Read more

Hot temperature displayed on thermometer with sun in distance

Heat warnings across Island Health region bring increased health risks

Heat warnings across Island Health region bring increased health risks.

Read more

parking sign

Pay parking resumes March 4, 2022

Effective March 4, 2022, pay parking will resume at all Island Health sites that previously had pay parking in place. 

Read more