News

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.

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.

People living with complex mental health and addiction challenges in Terrace now have access to more health care supports as the Province adds complex care housing services for up to 10 people in the region.

Complex care housing provides voluntary services to people who face overlapping mental health and addiction challenges and other complex health issues, such as brain injuries who are at risk of eviction and homelessness.

Northern Health is working closely with the physician communities in Terrace and Kitimat to find solutions to ensure the stability of primary care and emergency department coverage at both Mills Memorial and Kitimat General hospitals.

Northern Health’s downtown Prince George Harm Reduction Clinic is implementing expanded hours of operation in response to continued high rates of toxic drug poisoning in the community and to improve the accessibility of services.

The HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (needle exchange) in Prince George has been piloting expanded hours for Overdose Prevention Services (OPS) for the past two weeks, ensuring staffing resources are in place for expanded operation of OPS and other services. Effective June 26, the new hours are formally in place on a long-term basis.

Starting Thursday, June 29, 2023, people can book an appointment to see a pharmacist through a new provincial online booking system, making it even easier and more convenient to access the health care they need.

On June 1, 2023, pharmacists’ scope of practice was expanded to allow them to prescribe for 21 minor ailments and contraceptives and as of June 27, 2023, more than 25,000 people have seen a pharmacist for an assessment.

There has been an increase in overdoses reported in Fort St. John linked to stimulant use causing deep sedation requiring hospitalization and lengthy monitoring.

This is a general overdose alert, substances circulating in the Northeast region are very toxic. Please take care and share this alert widely.

People in Dawson Creek and area are one step closer to better access to care as a preferred proponent has been selected and the contract signed, with construction starting in July for the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital.

In co-ordination with Northern Health and Infrastructure BC, Graham Design Builders LP has been named the preferred proponent on the project. Graham Design Builders LP will be responsible for completing the design and building the new hospital.