Truth and Reconciliation is an ongoing journey

Trigger Warning – The information and material presented here may be triggering to some individuals, and may cause unpleasant feelings or thoughts. Many individuals find it helpful to discuss these feelings in a supportive and trusting environment. Please reach out to the supports most appropriate to your individual needs. 

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.

Name: Dominique Frost (she/her)

Job Title: Human Resources Recruitment Assistant

Years of Service: 10 months

Worksite: Community Health & Services Centre

Community: Kelowna

Ancestral Territory: "Syilx" Okanagan (O-k an-a-gan) Interior Salish

Last year there were 283 overdose deaths recorded in the Interior Health region. The highest yearly total yet.

I’ve always looked forward to spring and summer. Spending time in my garden, extra time with my grandchildren, and travelling to scenic spots in our trailer are some of the typical highlights.

But I’ll remember the summer of 2021 for very different reasons. A pandemic, the tremendous heat waves and an awful wildfire season to name a few.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.

---

Name: Doug Neufeld (he/him)

Job Title: Physician

Years of Service: More than 40 years

Worksite: Cariboo Memorial Hospital

Community: Williams Lake

Ancestral Territory: Secwépemc (Se-huep-m) / Shuswap Interior Salish

Favourite Quote: "If they can do it, why can't I?"

Interior Health is advising anyone who attended a Sept. 6 grad party event in Armstrong that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.

During pregnancy, labour, and delivery, many First Nations, Inuit and Métis people experience significant barriers to accessing care. This can lead to a higher risk of poor maternal and newborn health. But there are ways to make a difference.

One is to get informed.

Interior Health is updating COVID-19 regional medical health officer orders to make it possible for larger events to go ahead in the Interior, as long as participants show proof of full vaccination.

September is an exciting time of year as kids like me head back to school. I’m especially excited this year because we have a vaccine that will be the best way to get us back to doing all the things we love.

Over the summer I got my second COVID-19 vaccine. This was really important to me because my Gramma has cancer and I want to be able to visit her safely. I also decided to get vaccinated because I want to be able to play team sports again. Although I was able to play a bit of hockey last year, I missed playing games and doing baseball and soccer.

While Interior Health respects the right of individuals to peacefully protest, we are urging those intent of demonstrating to avoid any actions that may impact access to health services for those who need it and to be respectful of the staff and physicians who are providing these vital services.