News

New Indigenous art and donor plaque unveiled at West Coast General Hospital

A new, prominent piece of Nuu-chah-nulth art at West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni honours the community’s incredible support and generosity.

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Five Days in May: Join BC’s Annual Health Research Showcase Every Friday

This year’s topics include meaningful engagement in research, seniors' health, 10 years into the toxic drug crisis, brain injury, and Indigenous-led health research.

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Medical health officer urges HPV vaccination to prevent cancer during National Immunization Awareness Week

The vaccine HPV vaccine, which is routinely offered in grade 6, is most effective when given at a younger age and before exposure to the virus. The vaccine is still recommended and offers excellent protection for older teens and young adults and is approved in Canada to age 45.

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Earth Day 2026: Island Health builds for a cleaner future

Island Health’s goal to cut the organization’s greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 is gaining momentum — a goal that aligns with the Earth Day 2026 theme of Our Power, Our Planet.

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Youth volunteer program inspires next generation of healthcare workers

One year after expanding into Alert Bay and Port McNeill, Island Health’s Step Up Youth program is already making an impact – connecting youth in rural communities with hands-on healthcare experience and helping shape the next generation of care providers.

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Cowichan District Hospital emergency department entrance will be temporarily relocated to the main entrance

The entrance to the emergency department at the Cowichan District Hospital will be temporarily closed from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Tuesday April 21.

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A moment of kindness can change everything: Celebrating Island Health volunteers

During National Volunteer Week, Island Health is celebrating more than 2,000 volunteers who support patients, families, visitors and healthcare teams.

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Peer voices connect communities as toxic drug crisis enters 10th year

Ten years into the declaration of B.C.’s toxic drug crisis as a public health emergency, peer workers remain central to the ongoing response.

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Ten years into the toxic drug crisis: remembering lives lost and renewing our commitment to action

This month marks 10 years since British Columbia declared a public health emergency due to rapidly rising deaths and injuries caused by unregulated drugs.

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Changes to outpatient lab services in Nanaimo support access

People in Nanaimo will have more appointments available and additional options for their outpatient laboratory needs thanks to changes to outpatient laboratory services.

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