Inspired by Jerusalema Dance Challenge videos she had seen from her South African colleagues over the past year, Dr. Nerine Kleinhans, Chief of Staff at Creston Valley Hospital (CVH), spearheaded this fun challenge. All departments took part with more than 90 staff participating in the making of this video – either as dancers, extras or as the filming and production crew.   

Two Social Workers from Royal Inland Hospital (RIH), Carla Williams and Brenda Tynan, have helped the community shed some light on the reality of increased loneliness among seniors due to COVID-19 over the holiday season.

Before the holidays, they reached out to School District 73 and offered an opportunity for children and youth to do something for elders in the community: let the know - you are not alone.

The holiday season is an especially poignant time as families and loved ones gather. This year, of course, will be different, as we stay close to home with our households or core bubbles, and those in care won’t have the visitors they normally would.

To acknowledge these struggles and the importance of connection with our loved, ones, Interior Health has partnered with singer, songwriter, and artist, Heather Gemmell, on a song accompanied by images from across our region.

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

Name: Doris Charest

Worksite: East Kootenays/Kootenay Boundary Staffing Service Centre, Ktunaxa (Tun-ah-hah) / Kootenay Ktunaxa

Years of Service: 9.5

Job Title: Portfolio Clerk

As we look back on 2020, we are thankful to those who shared their lives with us this year.

Your stories have captured the strengths, challenges, and hopes of those who live in our communities. May we continue to support each other with compassion, care and love.