News
Digital memory wall honours those lost due to toxic drug poisoning this International Overdose Awareness Day
This International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) August 31, Island Health is hosting a digital memory wall to honour those lost to a toxic drug poisoning. IOAD is the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose, and this online memorial encourages everyone to remember, without stigma, those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family, friends and caregivers left behind.
Catch up with confidence: stay up to date with childhood immunizations
As a new school year beckons, and in recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month in August, Island Health encourages parents to ensure that vaccinations are on their children’s back-to-school list.
Drug and health alert text system expands
Anyone in the Island Health region can now contribute data to help inform potential drug poisoning overdose advisories.
Boring? Island Health’s first environmental scientist says the job is anything but
Since joining Island Health, Kobby has been collaborating on projects like a fuel spill, groundwater contamination and an industrial fire. Coming from consulting, working for private companies in gold mining and oil and gas, he’s excited to put his knowledge and experience to use for the public good.
Temporary service interruption at Port Hardy Hospital emergency department
Due to a temporary shortage of nursing coverage, the Port Hardy Hospital (PHH) emergency department (ED) will be closed for the remainder of August 17, beginning immediately.
Temporary service interruption at Port Hardy Hospital emergency department
Due to short notice, unexpected sick calls leading to a temporary shortage of nursing coverage, the Port Hardy Hospital emergency department will be closed for the remainder of August 16, beginning immediately.
Heat warning expanded to include additional Island Health regions
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a heat warning several regions in Island Health. A strong ridge of high pressure will remain over southern B.C. through Wednesday.
Spotlight on International Youth Volunteer Day
In celebration of this year’s International Youth Day (August 12) we had a chance to interview an amazing Island Health youth volunteer who lives and volunteers in the Port Hardy region. Isadora, aged 15, started volunteering with the Step Up Youth (SUY) program in the fall of 2022 and has continued to dedicate her time to local Long-Term Care residents, showing a passion for her community and a strong desire to make a difference.
Give people the tools: Dr. Paivi Abernethy on climate change, health and empowerment
In December 2012, Dr. Paivi Abernethy had an epiphany. As part of her PhD research, she was conducting interviews with various specialists about the fallout from torrential rain in Mid-Wales during the past summer. As a result of the deluge, tailings from historic silver mines overflowed and ran downhill; the concentration of lead resulted in the death of cattle. There were also serious concerns among locals about toxicity in community gardens.