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.

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

Name: David Baclig (he/him)

Job Title: Housekeeper

Years of Service: One

Worksite: Kelowna General Hospital

Community: Kelowna

Ancestral Territory: “Syilx” (Saay-ilks)/Okanagan Interior Salish

 

Thank you for sharing your gratitude 

We have heard from many people sharing their gratitude for the frontline workers who have been working hard to keep us safe during the pandemic. Continue to help us to recognize the people who have made a difference by publishing a photo and message here.

Thank the frontline workers, volunteers, and community partners who have helped keep us safe during the pandemic and worked to get us all vaccinated. You can also tell us why getting the vaccine is important for you.

Interior Health, in partnership with School Districts throughout the Interior, is providing at-school COVID-19 immunization clinics for returning students, staff, and teachers.

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

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Name: Richard Richter (he/him)

Job Title: Health, Safety and Prevention Advisor

Years of Service: 3 years

Worksite: Community Health & Services Centre

Community: Kelowna

Ancestral Territory: “Syilx” (Saay-ilks) / Okanagan Interior Salish

Interior Health, in partnership with Okanagan College, is providing on-campus COVID-19 immunization clinics for returning students, faculty and staff.

In our short time with Interior Health, Noah Chalifoux and I (Nina Akhtar) have been granted the unique opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and observe the complex world of health care. We, along with a few other interns, joined Interior Health in May 2021.