Name: Jacqueline Lee (JQ) Elsasser (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Health Unit Aide / Admin Support / Qualitative FIT Tester
Years of Service: 1+
Worksite: Kirschner Plaza
Community:  Kelowna 
Ancestral Territory: syilx/Okanagan Nation

People living in Kamloops and surrounding communities will benefit from more access to team-based care with the opening of the new North Shore Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC).

While winter is full of festive days, and indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy, winter and the holidays can also bring stress and the blues.

From holiday planning and family gatherings to financial worries, from the gloomy weather and shorter days, this time of year can affect our mental health, physical health and overall well-being. 

Our Mental Health and Substance Use team has 10 healthy habits for you to consider exploring this season. Try one or try a few of these habits to support your mental and physical health throughout winter and beyond.

The festive season is kicking into high gear. You may already be pulling out the ugly Christmas sweaters and are preparing for holiday parties, or have already gone to a few celebrations.

Whether you go to a house party, a local restaurant or bar, the office or a bonfire, take a minute to make sure you're prepared to party safely with these holiday season tips from our Harm Reduction team.

Foundations in the Interior region raise funds that support medical equipment, care needs and innovative local initiatives in their communities. Each organization includes respected community leaders, volunteers and staff who are passionate about meeting the needs of patients and families in Interior Health. Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, we all have a stronger health system. 

Name: Stephenie McLeod (she/her/hers) 
Job Title: Administrative Assistant
Years of Service: 6
Worksite: Vernon Health Unit
Community:  Vernon
Ancestral Territory: syilx Nation
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible" - Walt Disney

Salmon Arm and area residents are advised of an important change regarding access to the emergency department at Shuswap Lake General Hospital (SLH).

The emergency department entrance to the hospital will be closed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8 while we replace the current doors as part of general maintenance for the facility.

The emergency department and all normal weekend services are open for patients.

Slips, trips, and falls can happen at any time of the year, but they are more common when conditions are snowy and icy. People are more than twice as likely to experience a slip, trip, or fall incident during the winter months than any other period of the year.

Slips, trips, and falls continue to be the third-highest cause of muscle injury we see. Slipping and tripping hazards can result in injuries ranging from sprains, bruises, and cuts to fractures and head injuries.

Please see the attached document to learn more about the looks, contaminations, and risks associated with the current drug alerts.

If you or a loved one is ready to get help for alcohol or opioid use disorder, help is now as close as a few keyboard clicks away.

Interior Health’s Virtual Addictions Medicine (VAM) Clinic provides rapid access to doctors and nurses with special training in addiction medicine over the phone, from anywhere in the Interior Health region.