Experts agree the fentanyl crisis in British Columbia is an unprecedented multi-faceted societal catastrophe that’s not going away anytime soon. Those on the frontlines are also united in recognizing that solutions will only be possible through education and conversation. As health care professionals, emergency responders, ...

In a report release Thursday, the BC Coroners Service said suspected drug overdose deaths increased by almost 80 percent from 2016. “There were 113 suspected drug overdose deaths in August 2017,” the report detailed. “This is a 79% increase over the number of death occurring in August 2016 (63).” The report summarizes all unintentional illicit […]

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 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 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...

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,...

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]