Deaths of unhoused British Columbians rose sharply in 2023
At least 458 people experiencing homelessness died in British Columbia in 2023, according to data from the BC Coroners Service. This reflects an increase of 23% from 2022 (373) and is nearly three times the number of people who died while experiencing homelessness in the province in 2020 (155). “The data speaks to the tragic […]
KBRH Health Foundation Launches $2 Million “Mental Health Matters” Campaign
The KBRH Health Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its most ambitious fundraising initiative to date, the $2 million Mental Health Matters campaign. This transformative effort aims to revitalize mental health services across the Kootenay Boundary region by funding critical upgrades to the Daly Pavilion, Harbour House, and the Pediatric Outdoor Space at KBRH. Meeting […]
BC hockey hero scores off-ice hat trick addressing mental heath issues, fear and success
Heroes are typically seen as people who do amazing things in spite of overwhelming adversity. We often think of these people putting themselves in physical harms way to save the lives of others, but sometimes being a hero is as simple as sharing a story. On January 30th, 2025, The Campbell River RCMP were pleased […]
Selkirk College Practical Nursing Program Graduates First Cohort
Filling an essential gap in the region’s frontline health care needs, the first cohort of graduates from Selkirk College’s Practical Nursing Program are now out in communities making a difference. Spurred by staff shortages across the sector, the Provincial Government provided funding for new seats at post-secondary institutions across British Columbia in late-2022. Students in […]
Minister’s statement on public drug use legislation
Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement in response to the Province repealing Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act: “From the beginning, our goal has been to make it easier for people struggling with addiction to get the help they need. Although the number of deaths from […]
Final update on human avian influenza case in B.C.
An extensive, multi-agency public-health investigation into an avian influenza case involving a B.C. teenager has identified no additional cases nor evidence of human-to-human transmission. The goals of the investigation were to identify any contacts who may have had exposure to the teenager, determine the source of exposure, and ensure that there was no risk of […]
Food Barometer reveals Canadians expect industry-wide transition to sustainable food
Today Sodexo Canada released the results of its second Sustainable Food Barometer. The latest research reveals the majority of consumers are already on this journey and expect an industry-wide, multi-strategy approach in navigating the Canadian transition to a more sustainable diet. Beyond the health benefits, over two fifths of Canadians associate sustainable food with reduced waste […]
First presumptive positive (human) case of H5 avian influenza detected in B.C.
An individual in British Columbia has tested presumptive positive for avian influenza (also known as bird flu) caused by the H5 influenza virus, the first detection of avian influenza due to the H5 virus in a person in B.C. This is also the first detection of a presumed human case of H5 avian influenza acquired in Canada. […]
BCCDC Public Advisory - Passenger with measles travelled through Vancouver International Airport
Travellers are being alerted to potential exposure to measles on flights to and from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Oct. 16. A passenger with measles arrived at the airport in Vancouver on Oct. 16 and departed on another flight that evening. People who were on the same flights or who were at YVR during […]
Updated vaccines for influenza, COVID-19 available throughout B.C.
Updated vaccines that protect against the latest influenza strains and COVID-19 variants circulating are available for people in B.C. to help protect families, communities and the health-care system. Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer for B.C., again encourages people six months and older to get immunized with the updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, and to exercise […]