There has been an increase in paramedic attended toxic drug poisoning events in the Nisga’a Valley region in Northwest, BC. The majority of drug poisoning events identified by BCEHS (BC Emergency Health Services) are nonfatal, but there is a risk of drug poisoning death when such events occur.
At the February 2023 Northern Health Board meeting, the board received a presentation highlighting the significant and exceptional work that northern healthcare foundations, fundraising societies and auxiliaries have undertaken to enhance services provided by Northern Health.
Foundations and auxiliaries, their volunteers and generous donors across the Northern Health region have provided funding for equipment, responded to emergent and urgent needs for funding, as well as maintaining a positive volunteer presence in northern communities.
This week, representatives from nearby Indigenous communities toured the new ED/ICU addition for G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital for the unveiling of a new Indigenous companion name.
Northern Health (NH) is marking Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) in Canada February 1 through 7 with a reminder about ways to participate in the awareness campaign and resources that can support those living with or affected by eating disorders.
Northern Health is working closely with the Ministry of Health and listening to community leaders on Haida Gwaii, to improve and stabilize health care staffing and patient access to services in Masset, Old Massett and surrounding communities.
Cathy Ulrich, President and CEO informed the Northern Health Board of Directors that she is planning to step down into retirement over the course of this year. The Board will begin the process of searching for a new President and CEO at the February 12/13 Board meeting.
Cathy has committed to the Board that she will remain in the role until such time as the Board has successfully recruited to the position. She has also committed to support a transition process once the new President and CEO has been selected and begun in the role.
In response to the toxic drug emergency, a new text health alert system has been launched across Northern Health.
The system uses text messaging to send alerts as a public health measure to prevent drug poisonings and deaths and provides timely information and up-to-date resources to people who use drugs and community members.
