*Trigger warning: This story deals with suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Orion remembers everything about the day the tsunami struck Thailand on December 26, 2004. He remembers what he was wearing, what he ate at every meal, and every person he interacted with.

“I saw a lot of people die,” Orion recalls. “And on that day, I saw devils and angels. But sadly, it was mostly devils. Some people were kind and positive. But I’d say most – and by most, I mean the tourists – behaved poorly and selfishly. People were scared. People were raw.”

Kelowna is hosting two drop-in clinics (no appointment required) this week for people looking to get their influenza (flu) & COVID-19 vaccines.

You can also book an appointment for the clinics listed below depending on availability and if you have received your invitation from the Government of British Columbia to book. Make sure you're registered with the Get Vaccinated system to receive your invite via a text, email or phone call.

Dates & Times

From herbs that "cure" Alzheimer’s, to ”cancer causing” sunscreens, to microchips in vaccines, health information can range from the absurd to the downright dangerous.

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital.

Emergency services will be unavailable from 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1 to 7 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. Patients can access care at Penticton Regional Hospital during this time.

All other inpatient services will continue as normal at South Okanagan General Hospital.

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. 

Merritt and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Nicola Valley Hospital.

Starting 7 a.m. Friday, November 1 to 8 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, emergency services will be unavailable and patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital, 311 Columbia St, Kamloops.

Name: Emma Klassen (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Recreation Activity Worker
Years of service: 1
Worksite: Apple Valley & Hawthorn Park Adult Day Services
Community: Kelowna

If you’re hit by a vehicle doing 30 km/hr, your chance of survival is approximately nine out of 10. At 50 km/hr? Your chances drop to about two out of 10.

In other words, the human body is no match for 2,500 kg of steel.

Road users like pedestrians, cyclists and riders on wheels (e.g., scooters and skateboards)—anyone who isn’t protected by a vehicle—are at the greatest risk of being injured. Safety experts call these people “vulnerable road users.”

Lillooet and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Lillooet Hospital and Health Centre due to limited physician availability.

Emergency services will be unavailable from 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30 to 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time.