Medical Health Officers

Responsibilities include:

• Disease and injury surveillance
• Communicable disease prevention and control
• Environmental public health
• Care facility licensing
• Community medicine consultation

Specialty areas include:

• Aboriginal health
• Healthy communities
• Mental health
• Substance use
• Harm reduction
• Primary and community care transformation
• Health promotion
• Maternal child and youth health
• Pandemic planning and response
• Climate change

Community Health & Services Centre
505 Doyle Avenue 
Kelowna, B.C. V1Y OC5
250-469-7070 ext. 12793

For more information on the role of Medical Health Officers, please visit the Office of the Provincial Health Officer website.

The Toxic Drug Crisis in BC’s Interior Region Part 1
Published June 2022

To highlight the critical nature of the toxic drug crisis, we have committed two Medical Health Officer (MHO) reports to the important issues surrounding this wicked problem. These MHO reports will complement the BC Coroners death review, and provide in-depth analysis for the Interior region, including the additional learnings we have gleaned from reviewing the medical charts of people who have died from exposure to toxic drugs. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the individuals, families, friends and communities impacted by these preventable deaths.

Alcohol and Health in B.C.'s Interior Region 
​Published: July 2021
​
Alcohol is arguably the most socially acceptable of psychoactive substances. In this report, we de​scribe a public health approach that recognizes the social and economic benefits attributable to alcohol while preventing and mitigating the health and social harms. We reflect the perspectives of stakeholders, and recommend collaborative action to improve care, reduce harm and address underlying health determinants.

Health for Everyone, by Everyone: A Population Health Perspective on Interior Health’s Key Strategies
​Published: July 2021

In this report, we use IH’s key strategic priorities as a framework for a broader conversation about what health and wellness means, and what collaborative action can be taken at a systems level to promote health, prevent disease and improve health equity. This report, and its recommendations, are for all partners within IH and across the Interior region who can contribute their knowledge, skills and resources to this collective effort.

Interior Health Child Health Report
​​Published: April 2019

The social, emotional, intellectual and physical development that occurs during childhood lays the foundation for a lifetime of health and accomplishments. In this report, we present a selection of child health indicators that identify the strengths and vulnerabilities of children across the Southern Interior of B.C. The report includes recommendations for addressing gaps in health outcomes seen across geographic areas and within vulnerable population groups.​

Drinking Water in Interior Health: An Assessment of Drinking Water Systems, Risks to Public Health, and Recommendations for Improvement
Published: January 2017

​This report reviews the state of the drinking water systems in our region. It was made to support water system owners and operators. We hope water suppliers will use it to inform all users about the essential service they provide. We also hope it will encourage discussion with users and leaders on the value of clean, safe tap water and their community water system. Let’s work together to ensure that everyone has clean, safe drinking water. 

Road Safety Report for the Interior Health Authority 
Published: September 2013 

Motor Vehicle Crashes account for a large number of deaths and hospitalizations in the Interior Health region. This report provides a detailed breakdown of road-related deaths and hospitalizations between 2001 and 2010. We also estimate future impacts if no action is taken, and consider appropriate prevention strategies and multi-sectoral collaboration.