Guest post by Alison Houweling, harm reduction coordinator with Interior Health

With International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) here, I think about the concept of stigma. Stigma is a hot button topic and honestly, I think some people are tired of hearing the word. But it is one of the most significant barriers to people getting help. 

Clearwater and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital.

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

Name: Kimberly Ramier (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Registered Nurse, Certified Practice – Opioid Use Disorder (CP OUD)
Length of Service: 11
Worksite: Williams Lake Mental Health & Substance Use
Community: Williams Lake
Ancestral Territory: Secwepemc and Tsilqhot'in Nations

Did you know that Interior Health offers dozens of mental health and substance use services? Whether you need short-term treatments or longer term therapies, help in your community or at a dedicated facility, in-person or virtual, our services are confidential and safe, and free of judgment and stigma. 

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a heat warning for the Fraser Canyon and South Thompson areas in the Interior Health and Fraser Health regions from August 25 to August 28, 2025. View the map of the heat warning area here. 

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 31 brings together a global community to take action on overdose. This year’s theme, One Big Family Driven by Hope, reminds us that these losses do not just shatter individual families; they fracture entire communities.

Interior Health Peers from the Vernon Downtown Mental Health and Substance Use Clinic are leading a grassroots art initiative titled Expressions from the Front Lines: A Journey through the Toxic Drug Crisis.

The unique exhibit, on display at the Okanagan Regional Library and Gallery Vertigo, brings together a collection of heartfelt artistic expressions from those with lived and living experiences in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, 2025.

Name: Dr. Nancy Humber (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Physician
Length of Service: 29 years
Worksite:  Lillooet Hospital and Health Centre
Community: Lillooet and Goldbridge
Ancestral Territory: Northern St'at'imc

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