Diseases and Conditions

COMOX VALLEY – Hepatitis C is a serious communicable disease that is spread through direct contact with the blood of a person living with the virus.  Symptoms can include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain and joint pain. In some people it can cause liver damage (cirrhosis) and liver cancer. The good news is that this disease is curable, and newer treatment options have significantly reduced side effects.

Vancouver Island – Island Health’s Dr. Christine Lee is the recipient of a 2017 Health Professional-Investigator Award. The award, through the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR), is designed to decrease the gap between health research and implementation by supporting health professionals apply their clinical expertise to research questions.

CAMPBELL RIVER—As part of the Province’s response to the overdose emergency, AIDS Vancouver Island (AVI) and Island Health have implemented an overdose prevention site at 1371-c Cedar Street in Campbell River.

The Campbell River-based overdose prevention service began operating on May 15. The service is being operated by AVI with funding from Island Health. AVI is adding the overdose prevention service to existing services already in place at 1371-c Cedar Street, including a range of health and harm reduction services.