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

Does your child get the back-to-school jitters? Many families experience this, and small steps at home can make a big difference. Swipe for tips to help your child feel calm and ready for the year ahead, and find more resources: ow.ly/J7Cc50WSjjI

Wildfire smoke and heat are impacting many parts of BC. Reduce time outdoors, close windows when you can, and take steps to stay cool. Seniors, children, pregnant people, and people with preexisting health conditions should take extra precautions. BCCDC.ca/WildfireSmoke

“When he died, I wanted to die,” says Gretchen Brown. “The grief is ongoing, and it’s unbearable.” On Overdose Awareness Day, we remember every life lost, support families, and work to end the stigma together. Read Gretchen’s full story: ow.ly/PXUn50WNUmb @momsstoptheharm.bsky.social

Back-to-school ready? Make sure your child’s vaccines are, too. A simple step today helps protect your child and their classmates. Check vaccines before school starts: islandhealth.ca/immunizations

Packing lunches for kids can feel like a daily battle. Here are a few simple tricks that can make it easier on you (and more fun for them). Share these tips with another parent that’s preparing for back to school! Learn more healthy eating habits at: ow.ly/K5Uc50WKw6B

It's going to be hot in areas across the Island Health region this weekend! Learn how to keep cool and stay safe: islandhealth.ca/heat-safety

People with complex health needs will soon have access to safer care and closer monitoring in Nanaimo. The new unit will support people who need more care than a regular unit provides, but not as much as the intensive care unit. Learn more: ow.ly/QmN250WKyCv @governmentofbc.bsky.social

If you have been affected by the overdose crisis, you are not alone. On August 31: - Find a local event to remember those we’ve lost & connect with others. - Share a memory on the online memorial wall. - Visit a purple chair memorial in your community. More events here: ow.ly/cjOj50WIxgu

Smoke levels are high in Inland Vancouver Island. If you have coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, slow down and get medical advice by calling 8-1-1. Learn more at islandhealth.ca/wildfires

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

Smoke levels are high in the Comox Valley and East and Inland Vancouver Island. If you have coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, slow down and get medical advice by calling 8-1-1. Learn more: islandhealth.ca/wildfires

Smoke levels are high in the Comox Valley, East and Inland Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast (north). If you have coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, slow down and get medical advice by calling 8-1-1. Learn more at islandhealth.ca/wildfires

Smoke levels are high in East and Inland Vancouver Island. If you have coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, slow down and get medical advice by calling 8-1-1. Learn more at islandhealth.ca/wildfires

Heat warnings have been issued for East Vancouver Island from Duncan to Campbell River and Inland Vancouver Island. Hot weather can be dangerous, and heat illness can happen faster than you think. Learn how to protect yourself and loved ones during hot weather at islandhealth.ca/heat-safety

Heat warnings have been issued for many areas in BC. These areas have temperatures that can pose a risk to health and safety. Take steps to stay cool, and watch for signs of heat-related illness, like dizziness, headaches, nausea and more. gov.bc.ca/ExtremeHeat

Smoke levels are high in #InlandVancouverIsland. If you have coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, slow down and get medical advice by calling 8-1-1. Learn more at islandhealth.ca/wildfires

Going home after a wildfire? - Wait until local authorities say it’s safe - Wear an N95 mask, gloves & boots - Watch for structural damage & unsafe air - Throw out spoiled or fire-exposed food - Use caution when cleaning - Check drinking water & septic systems Learn more: ow.ly/cunP50WBL5G

Smoke levels are high in East Vancouver Island (central) and Inland Vancouver Island. If you have coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, slow down and get medical advice by calling 8-1-1. Learn more at islandhealth.ca/wildfires

Getting to cancer treatment can be hard, especially if it means traveling far or staying overnight. Get financial support, free flights, rides to treatment, and a place to stay through Canadian Cancer Society. Call 1-888-939-3333 to speak with someone who can help or visit: ow.ly/LwNB50WyfbT

Bacteria levels at some beaches can get too high for safe swimming. Before you head out for a swim, take a quick look at local beach advisories. Send this to someone you’re swimming with this summer! Check advisories before you go at islandhealth.ca/beachreports

There are lot of sunscreen myths out there this summer! Don’t get caught off guard. Sunscreen is your daily shield, use plenty and reapply to stay protected. Heard another sunscreen myth? Drop it in the comments and we’ll tell you if it’s true! Find simple tips at islandhealth.ca/sun-safety

Need care today or tomorrow? You have options. Whether it’s something new or ongoing, there’s support available when you need it. Is it an emergency? Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Start here: islandhealth.ca/same-day-care

If you’re heading to a festival this summer, take time to plan ahead. WILD Collaborative Harm Reduction Services makes it easier to stay safe. Find them at: - Pachena Bay Music Festival - Sunfest Country - Laketown Amphitheatre - Phillips Backyard - Rifflandia Learn more: ow.ly/4VZr50WnYzA

Bike injuries happen fast, but most can be prevented. Safety starts before you get on the road. Wearing the right helmet and following a few easy steps can help prevent injuries. Find easy safety tips at parachute.ca/injury-topics

You can now check estimated wait times at the 8 largest hospital Emergency Departments across the Island Health region. Share this post with friends, family, & neighbours so they know what to expect and where to go when they need help. Visit islandhealth.ca/find-care to explore your care options.

Congratulations to Kalla Shields, a Grade 12 student from Mill Bay, for receiving the 2025 Youth Harm Reduction Award. After using naloxone to save a classmate’s life, Kalla trained over 50 students and staff and helped bring naloxone kits to her school. Learn more: ow.ly/HlbU50WhPIA

Many drownings happen in lakes, rivers and oceans, especially in July and August. It happens fast. Water safety can save lives. Learn more about water safety and drowning prevention: ow.ly/F1tb50WhcMV

CONNECT Saanich Peninsula is a new 26-bed home for people with serious brain injuries to heal — in a place that feels like home. A second home is coming to Parksville in 2026. Thank you CONNECT Communities and Tsawout First Nation for your partnership in care. Learn more: ow.ly/pblf50WfKs3

The Thunderbird Wing at Central Nanaimo UPCC is more than a care space, it’s a reflection of what’s possible when Indigenous voices lead the way. Learn the story of the Thunderbird: youtu.be/vZK4v_z_9yI

Help the people you love stay well — this Father’s Day and beyond. Share this and talk about cancer screening in BC. Learn more: bccancer.bc.ca/screening, talk to your doctor, or call 8-1-1 as a first step.

Concussions aren’t always obvious, but they’re always serious. Parents: do you know the signs? Share this to help keep another kid safe. Learn to spot the signs and when to seek care: parachute.ca/concussion

Pride is a time to celebrate, reflect & advocate for equal rights. Everyone deserves to feel safe, welcome & free to be themselves, especially w/their health & care. Find gender-diverse & 2SLGBTQIA+ health services, resources, and support: islandhealth.ca/GenderDiverseHealthServices transcarebc.ca

Your pharmacist can help you quit smoking with a free 12-week course of nicotine patches, lozenges or gum, or prescribe oral medications. Visit your local pharmacy or book an appointment: gov.bc.ca/SeeAPharmacist

Your pharmacist can assess and prescribe for common health issues like: - Allergies - Pink eye - Cold sores - Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Yeast infections - Menstrual pain - Birth control & more Find a full list of ailments or book an appointment: gov.bc.ca/SeeAPharmacist

We stand against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. We’re committed to providing care that respects everyone's dignity and well-being. Inclusive care means more than treatment. It means listening, affirming and showing up with empathy.

To the nurses who listen deeply, act with care, and make healing possible—thank you. Your care is personal, but your impact is system-wide. Celebrate a nurse who’s made a difference at islandhealth.ca/sending-compliment

If someone overdosed near you, would you know what to do? Naloxone is safe, easy and anyone can use it. Be ready when it matters most. Learn. Carry. Save a life. More info: youthhopemission.weebly.com #EndOverdose #Naloxone #LearnCarrySaveALife

Are you a researcher, student, or curious learner? This is your chance to see real-world health research in action. Sign up for a free virtual event! Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. See the full schedule and register: www.islandhealth.ca/fivedays

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

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

BC has declared May 2 as the Day of Remembrance and Mourning for the Victims of the Tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims of the Lapu Lapu Day Festival tragedy, their families, and the entire Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.

Happy Worker's Day to all the people who make health and care possible! In hospitals, homes, clinics, and communities, you show up. You heal. You listen. You lead. You care. This work is vital. And so are you. Share your appreciation in the comments or at islandhealth.ca/sending-compliment

Thank you to our 1,700 volunteers who make our communities stronger with every act of kindness! Find volunteer opportunities in your community: islandhealth.ca/volunteer-resources

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

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