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New recovery beds will support healthier communities in Northern BC

To help more people with addiction challenges in Northern BC connect with the care they need to live healthier lives, the Province is adding 17 new beds dedicated to recovery and support.

“Our government believes in the strength of community support,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “To cut down on the distance that many in Northern BC have had to go for help, we're introducing new supportive recovery beds to bring that crucial support to communities across the North.”

Toxic drug alert: Fort St. John

Northern Health and FNHA logos

There has been an increase in overdoses in Fort St. John linked to a red/orange colored drug sold as “down.” This drug causes sudden overdose and memory loss, this happens when the drug is smoked and injected.

Please take care, drugs move throughout the North, share this alert widely. We have included safety recommendations below.

Toxic drug alert: Dawson Creek

Northern Health and FNHA logos

There has been an increase in overdoses in Dawson Creek linked to a bright orange/red powder, a blue substance sold as crystal meth, and possibly other coloured substances causing sudden overdose, requiring hospitalization and lengthy monitoring.

Supports expanding for people in mental-health, substance-use crisis

People in a mental-health or substance-use crisis will have the support of experts as new mobile, integrated-response teams are coming to nine communities throughout the province, including Prince Rupert.

The Province is expanding Mobile Integrated Crisis Response (MICR) Teams (also known as Car programs) to help people in crisis and to free up police resources to focus on crime.

Blue-green algae tips for summer – have fun but be safe around the lake

Summer brings many things, including enjoying our time on the many lakes in northern BC. For those living on lakes year-round, part time, or just visiting, it’s important to stay healthy while enjoying the experience.

With the warming weather, blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms may appear in lakes across northern BC. Blue-green algae are naturally occurring and can look like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of water. Blue-green algae can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, or pinkish-red, and often smells musty or grassy.

Northern Health aims to boost responses to BC SPEAK Survey

BC's largest population health survey, the SPEAK survey, has been extended and will remain open until July 31 to help boost participation.

People living in the Northern region of BC can have a say in shaping the health programs and services in their region by participating in the Survey on Population Experiences, Action, and Knowledge (SPEAK) survey and sharing their experiences over the past few years.