Shelter & Encampment Communicable Disease Prevention & Control

Please make note of the following information on preventing and controlling communicable diseases in shelters and emergency winter response shelters guidance:

The BC Communicable Disease Handbook for Housing and Social Service Providers provides staff at shelters and supportive housing sites in B.C. with practical resources in two key areas. It helps them:
- Prepare for and prevent the spread of communicable diseases
- Respond to communicable disease illness and outbreaks on site
Clients of homeless shelters and emergency winter response shelters are vulnerable to a number of health conditions as outlined in the following report: Homelessness and Health Outcomes: What are the associations?
The Public Health Toolkit for Encampment Responses provides approaches to supporting the health of encampment residents. It is based on a summary of experiences of Public Health Officials involved in encampments which occurred in B.C. between 2014 and 2019.

7 Minute Read

Community & Culture

Community-minded physician and leader leaves lasting mark

Dr. Neil Crofts reflects on a career defined by leadership, service and a lasting commitment to the communities he served.

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7 Minute Read

Community & Culture, Health & Wellness

Returning home after an evacuation

Returning home after an evacuation can be a relief. Depending on how long you've been gone, and the condition of your home, you may need to follow precautions.

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2 Minute Read

Health & Wellness

Accessing care if you're evacuated due to a wildfire

Find out how to access the health care you need if you're living situation changes due to a wildfire

/stories/accessing-care-if-youre-evacuated-due-wildfire

4 Minute Read

Health & Wellness

How to take care of your mental wellness during wildfire season

Wildfires and natural disasters have many impacts on mental health and well-being. Here are some tips that can help with the stress from wildfire season.

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