Media Archive Blog Topic Listing Page

As the toxic drug emergency continues, drug checking is one way to reduce the risk of using unregulated drugs. Drug checking provides the most accurate information about what is in drugs, so people who use drugs can make informed choices about where, when and how much to use. The service is fast, free, confidential, and is legal at approved sites. Samples can be as small as a grain of rice and results are typically available within 10 minutes. The staff who provide the service are non-judgmental and, no matter the results, we don’t confiscate drugs, and they can be returned to you. Whatever reason you choose to use drugs; we want you to bring in or drop off a sample for testing before you use.

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital.   Emergency services will be unavailable from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Patients can access emergency care in Penticton Regional Hospital during this time.   All other inpatient services will continue at South Okanagan General Hospital.   People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.     Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.  

Williams Lake and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Cariboo Memorial Hospital. Emergency services will be unavailable immediately until 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. Patients can access care at 100 Mile District General Hospital in 100 Mile House during this time. All other inpatient services will continue at Cariboo Memorial Hospital. People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility. Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Williams Lake and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Cariboo Memorial Hospital. Emergency services will be unavailable immediately until 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Patients can access care at 100 Mile District General Hospital in 100 Mile House, GR Baker Memorial Hospital in Quesnel, or Bella Coola General Hospital in Bella Coola during this time. All other inpatient services will continue at Cariboo Memorial Hospital. People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.  Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week. 

100 Mile House and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at 100 Mile House District General Hospital. Emergency services will be unavailable from 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1 to 7 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025. Patients can access care at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake during this time. All other inpatient services will continue at 100 Mile House District General Hospital. People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.  Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Please see the attached document to learn more about the look, contamination, and risk associated with the current drug alert.

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital. Emergency services will be unavailable from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2025. Patients can access emergency care at Penticton Regional Hospital in Penticton during this time. All other inpatient services will continue at South Okanagan General Hospital. People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.  Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

100 Mile House and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at 100 Mile District General Hospital. Emergency services will be unavailable from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. Patients can access care at Cariboo Memorial Hospital during this time.  All other inpatient services will continue at 100 Mile District General Hospital.  People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.  Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week. 

People in Nelson and across the West Kootenay region are invited to have a sneak peek at the new Nelson Fairview Gardens on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, from 1 to 2 p.m. Hosted by Interior Health, the open house offers community members a first look at Nelson Fairview Gardens, the new long-term care building, before it officially opens to residents later in September. As well, Kootenay Kids Society will offer tours though the new childcare space, Fairview Early Learning Centre. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and help direct visitors. Attendees are welcome to drop in at any time during the event. Free parking is available, and signage will guide guests to the main entrance of Nelson Fairview Gardens. The Nelson Community Health Campus was thoughtfully designed with input from health-care professionals, partners, and community stakeholders to create a welcoming, inclusive space that reflects the needs of the region. This open house offers a behind-the-scenes look at how bringing local health services together under one roof will enhance care, connection, and collaboration. When: Friday, Sept. 19, 2025Where: Nelson Fairview Gardens main lobby, 902 Eleventh Street, Nelson, B.CTime: 1 to 2 p.m. When it opens, Fairview Gardens will join Nelson Jubilee Manor and Mountain Lakes Seniors Community in offering 24-7 complex care and supports to seniors and other individuals who need these services. About admissions to long-term care People can learn more about long-term care admissions on the Government of B.C. and Interior Health websites: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/long-term-care-services   https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/home-and-community-care/long-term-care