Telehealth project improves rural access to mental health and substance use services
To ensure individuals have access to the mental health and substance use (MHSU) services they need, no matter where they live, Interior Health is expanding access to a rural telehealth pilot project. “Unless you’ve struggled with a mental illness, it is nearly impossible to understand the barriers and stigma that people face...
A rare encounter near Rossland
A local man, Daniel Papanek, found something totally unexpected during a hike along the Malde Creek Forest Service Road on Sunday, September 17. It was lying in a coil, the tip of its tail barely visible and adorned with things that rattle when shaken. Just to make sure of its identity, the man took a long branch and just...
Fentanyl detected in 81% of illicit drug deaths in B.C. in 2017
Fentanyl has been detected in more than four of every five illicit-drug overdose deaths in British Columbia through the first seven months of 2017, according to the latest statistics from the BC Coroners Service. From January through July 2017, 706 of the 876 suspected illicit drug deaths had fentanyl detected, representing...
Labour Day Message —We have a lot to celebrate
For the first time in 16 years, B.C. workers have much to celebrate on Labour Day. Both the B.C. NDP and the B.C. Green Party campaigned for a government that would make life more affordable, fix the services people count on, create jobs, act on climate change, and build a sustainable economy that works for everyone. Now,...
Buy a Blizzard, help our kids this Miracle Treat Day #TeamZach
Today’s the big day, where you can blow that diet and enjoy a cooling and delicious Blizzard at Dairy Queen – guilt free! It’s Miracle Treat Day, which means all the net proceeds from Blizzards sold in B.C. Dairy Queens today will go to the B.C. Children’s Hospital (and in other provinces, to support their […]
Going batty with bats?
For anyone noticing more bats around the house or property, you are not alone. Mid-summer is the time when landowners typically notice more bat activity, may have bats flying into their house, and occasionally find a bat on the ground or roosting in unusual locations. These surprise visitors are usually the young pups. “In July […]
NEW PROGRAM HELPS AGRICULTURE GROW
Agricultural producers in the region now have access to a new service offering technical support and expertise to help them succeed. Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors is a free service that is launching this summer. The regional districts of Central Kootenay, Kootenay Boundary and East Kootenay have partnered with Columbia Basin Trust to provide […]
West Nile virus risk increases as summer heats up
As summer temperatures increase, so does the risk of West Nile virus. The risk of getting West Nile virus is highest from the end of July through August. There are some important measures people can take to reduce their risk of infection. West Nile virus is a disease that is spread from infected corvid birds […]
Opinion: Sexual assaults happen in the summertime, too. And some of us are still in the dark ages about it.
The headline above notwithstanding, people who suffer sexual assault in our region have many resources and many enlightened people available to help with all aspects of the ordeal and its aftermath. Trail FAIR is there to help, and Victims’ Assistance. And I have no reason to believe that this region’s RCMP personnel are anything but […]
Air quality and health could be impacted by smoky skies
Residents in communities across Interior Health affected by fires burning and resulting smoky skies should be aware that smoke conditions and local air quality can change due to the unpredictable nature of fires. Some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of smoke from forest fires, such as those with heart or lung conditions. […]
