On January 22, the Health Sciences Academy, a collaborative partnership between Interior Health (IH) and School District 73 (Kamloops-Thompson), celebrated a significant milestone: the successful conclusion of its first-ever semester.

Launched in September 2024, this innovative program gives grade 11 and 12 students a unique opportunity to explore exciting health-care careers by immersing them in a range of in-demand roles.

Name: Sherry-Lynn Picheniuk (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Patient Care Coordinator/Registered Nurse
Years of Service: 25 years
Worksite:  Penticton Regional Hospital
Community:  Penticton
Ancestral Territory: syilx/Okanagan

Eight youth have been selected as winners for the 2024 Beyond the Buzz: Youth Voices on Tobacco, Cannabis, Vaping & Alcohol poster contest.

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: Joanna (Jo) Harrison (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Executive Director, Clinical Informatics, Digital Health
Years of Service: 18
Worksite: Regional
Community: Kamloops
Ancestral Territory:  Secwépemc Nation

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in B.C. More than 6,000 people die a year in B.C. due to tobacco use. What’s perhaps even more concerning is nine out of 10 people who use tobacco started in adolescence, according to the BC Lung Foundation.

Name: Karen Moison (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Executive Assistant to Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Corporate Services
Years of Service: 6
Worksite: Kelowna Community Health Services Centre
Community: Okanagan/Kelowna

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

Emergency services will be unavailable from 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 to 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. Patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time.

All other inpatient services will continue as normal at Lillooet Hospital.