Good news for Nanaimo and central Vancouver Island. We are moving ahead with concept planning for a new patient tower at Nanaimo Hospital, expanding acute and cardiac services to deliver care for patients closer to home.

Are you looking to change your relationship with alcohol or drugs? One call can connect you to services like detox, counselling, treatment programs, or medication that helps you manage withdrawal or cravings. Call Access Central at 1-888-885-8824 or visit islandhealth.ca/addiction-care

Mental health supports for youth are available. These services offer immediate crisis support and ongoing tools for teens and young people across BC.

Today is a Day of Mourning in BC for the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge. Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives, students and staff, first responders, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community. Please join us in observing a moment of silence at 12:00 PM (PST).

British Columbians grieve with Tumbler Ridge and hold the families & friends suffering loss & affected by the tragedy close in our hearts. If you need support: 310-Mental Health Support: 310-6789 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 FoundryBC.ca

Our hearts are with everyone impacted by the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or distressed, please reach out. Help is available: islandhealth.ca/get-support You don’t have to go through this alone. Get support now.

PLEASE SHARE: A Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory has been issued for #Victoria. Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF

PLEASE SHARE: A Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory has been issued for #Nanaimo. Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF

If alcohol or drugs are affecting your life, work or relationships, support is just one call away. Reach out to Access Central at 1-888-885-8824 or visit islandhealth.ca/addiction-care

The name Quw'utsun Valley Hospital / Quw'utsun Hulitun-ew't-hw is now in place above the west entrance on Bell McKinnon Road in North Cowichan. Learn more about the new name and construction progress: islandhealth.ca/newcdh/news

PLEASE SHARE: A Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory has been issued for #PortAlberni. Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF

We stand with Tseshaht First Nation and all Indigenous people affected by the recent hateful vandalism in Port Alberni. Wearing orange reflects our commitment to respect, understanding, and a community where all people feel safe, valued, and supported.

PLEASE SHARE: #Victoria Overdose Advisory There are options for safer use: Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF

Are you concerned about your alcohol or drug use? You don’t need to have the answers before you call. A care team member will listen, learn what you need, and help connect you to services. Call Access Central at 1-888-885-8824, 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. daily or visit islandhealth.ca/addiction-care.

PLEASE SHARE: #Cowichan Overdose Advisory There are options for safer use: Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF

Are you concerned about your alcohol or drug use? You don’t need to have the answers before you call. A care team member will listen, learn what you need, and help connect you to services. Call Access Central 1-888-885-8824, 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. daily, or visit islandhealth.ca/addiction-care.

New year, new goals. ✨ Thinking about drinking less? Cutting back on alcohol can mean: - Better sleep and more energy - Improved mood and clearer focus - Healthier skin and more balanced hormones - A higher sex drive - More money in your pocket Learn more: islandhealth.ca/alcohol

Hospitalist services resumed this morning (Wednesday, December 24, 2025), helping make sure patients can access the care they need close to home. Thank you patients, families, and staff for your patience during the temporary pause. Learn more: bit.ly/4qtetEr

Holiday care reminder✨ If you or a loved one needs care: 1. Call 8-1-1 2. Call your doctor/NP ask for an urgent appointment 3. Ask your pharmacist about prescribing or an urgent refill More options: islandhealth.ca/find-care

The holidays can be joyful and stressful. Big gatherings, busy schedules, and different personalities can take a toll. You’re not alone. Help is here when you need it. Call 1-888-885-8824 or visit islandhealth.ca/mhsu for support and services.

Running low on medication? Before the holiday rush, check with your pharmacist. They can provide emergency refills and treat 21 common conditions quickly. Find a pharmacist near you: seeyourpharmacist.ca

In order to ensure continued safe patient care, some patients at WCGH may be transferred to another hospital. The Emergency Department remains open 24/7. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency department. Learn more: ow.ly/jXJo50XHfpT

PLEASE SHARE: #Cowichan Overdose Advisory has been extended. There are options for safer use: Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF

Join Dr. Charmaine Enns and Island Health leaders to talk about health and care in Campbell River. Share your questions with the Board in person or by emailing [email protected]. Details at islandhealth.ca/boardforum.

Are you a First Nations person in BC, or do you support the health care decisions of someone who is? Share your feedback through our online survey before Dec. 10, and as a thank you for participating, you could win one of three $250 gift cards. Take the survey: https://fnhasurvey.malatest.net

Stay strong, steady, and confident. Small changes can make a big difference in preventing falls. Share this with someone you care about. Learn more at islandhealth.ca/falls-prevention

PLEASE SHARE: #Cowichan Overdose Advisory has been extended. There are options for safer use: Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF

Join us Wednesday, December 3 for the Campbell River Public Board Forum! Have a question or idea about health in your community? Bring it to the forum or send it in advance to [email protected] and let the Board hear from you. Find event details at islandhealth.ca/boardforum

PLEASE SHARE: #Nanaimo Overdose Advisory There are options for safer use: Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF

PLEASE SHARE: #Cowichan Overdose Advisory There are options for safer use: Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF

Our 2025 Population Health Status Report takes a closer look at how people across our region are doing, highlighting real progress, and where more support is still needed. Learn more: www.islandhealth.ca/news/news-releases/new-report-highlights-health-gains-and-inequities-island-health-region

It’s tough when your child has a cold. Most mild infections clear up in a week or two with some at home care. - Offer plenty of fluids - Encourage rest - Try saline drops or a humidifier - Use safe, simple cough soothers - Keep vaccinations up to date Learn more: https://ow.ly/RbUU50Xl2Km

Enjoy your Halloween treats & keep your smile healthy too! Here’s how: - Brush twice a day. - Spit, don’t rinse. After brushing, wait 10-30 minutes before rinsing. - Have treats with meals. Teeth need breaks to recover. - Drink plain water after eating. More simple tips: https://ow.ly/hQbq50Xkyu9

The Campbell River Health Unit now collects donated breast milk for babies in need. Approved donors can drop off frozen milk, which is safely processed and shared with hospitals across BC. Drop-offs are Monday to Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find more information at https://ow.ly/M0ex50Xk56k

PLEASE SHARE: #Victoria and #Sooke Overdose Advisory There are options for safer use: Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF To tell us about a toxic drug event/poisoning text OD to 253787.

The new Cowichan Urgent and Primary Care Centre was built with thought and care to support culturally safe services for everyone in the Cowichan Valley. Call 1-833-688-8722 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week, to book an appointment.

The new Cowichan Urgent and Primary Care Centre is now open, bringing health services together in one place for easier access to care. Call 1-833-688-8722 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week, to book an appointment. Learn more: https://ow.ly/NAli50XfXhp [Link in bio]

Fall is a great time to move together in ways that work for your body. That could be walking, wheeling, stretching, seated movement, or gentle play. Every bit counts. Find age-based tips from the Canadian movement guidelines: https://ow.ly/bNEt50Xepxu

Many new parents expect feeding to come naturally. For Sarah, it didn’t—until a public health nurse showed her new techniques and reminded her she wasn’t alone. Get support: https://ow.ly/MsOb50X6ivA @bccbfi.bsky.social‬

Getting the HPV vaccine when you’re young can protect against several types of cancers later in life. It's safe, effective, and now free for all people ages 9-26 in BC. Learn more about the HPV vaccine and how to book an appointment at HealthLinkBC.ca/HPV Future you will thank you.

“The truth, especially from actual survivors, is important. There are many people who don’t believe these things happened. A lot of us lived it and know it and can talk about it. So the truth has to be told so it won’t happen again.” – Wally Samuel Watch the full playlist: ow.ly/TWHc50WZJ77

Right now, we’re building and upgrading hospitals, cancer centres, urgent and primary care centres, and long-term care homes across BC. These aren’t just construction projects—they’re investments in people. In your family. In your community. In a health-care system that works better for everyone.

“Being able to sing and dance the way I do is the biggest blessing I’ve ever had because my great grandma, my grandma, and my mom couldn’t do that.” – Peyton Siah Culture is resilience. Culture is healing. Listen to Indigenous voices and experiences: youtube.com/shorts/t--3lB3AFi8

PLEASE SHARE: #Victoria Overdose Advisory There are options for safer use: Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF To tell us about a toxic drug event/poisoning text OD to 253787.

Reconciliation takes all of us. Every small step, every question, and every moment of reflection can create change. Big or small, it all matters. This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, take a step forward. Learn ways you can take action: trw-svr.nctr.ca/lunch-and-learns

Truth and Reconciliation invites us to listen deeply to voices that have been silenced, to reflect, and to consider the actions we can take to create change in our communities, our systems, and across this country. Hear these voices and learn from their stories: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5I_...

People living in and around Ucluelet will soon have better access to primary and community health care. The new health centre will bring together services in one place, making it easier for people to connect with the care they need. Learn more: ow.ly/rC0V50WXOML

Small actions matter. A check-in, a kind word, or simply listening can help someone feel less alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is support. Find resources at ow.ly/erWJ50WUUuP

A new school year is a great time to refresh healthy habits. Do you have kids in your life? Here are 3 things you can do: - Encourage regular handwashing - Support consistent daily routines - Model good hygiene Learn more at: ow.ly/PfN750WUg9B

Wildfire smoke can make your eyes water, nose run, throat sore, or cause coughing, phlegm, wheezing, or headaches. If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat, get medical help or call 8-1-1. Learn more: islandhealth.ca/wildfires