Name: Glenn Charbonneau
Job Title: Physiotherapist
Years of Service: 2
Worksite: Various
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: Syilx Nation
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: “Curious that we spend more time congratulating people who have succeeded than encouraging people who have not.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson

Elizabeth Eckert has cared for her son Anakin for his entire life. Born premature at 22 weeks, Anakin is legally blind, has hydrocephalus (a build-up of brain fluid) and epilepsy, and is neurodivergent.

Now 22, he’s been through countless surgeries and lives full-time with Elizabeth—but he’s anything but inactive. He has a full social life, plays guitar and composes, writes stories, attends Okanagan College, has two jobs, and volunteers with Make-A-Wish Foundation and the 501^st Legion.  

Spring is in the air, and for many of us in the Interior, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and dive into spring cleaning.

Before sweeping, dusting and decluttering, however, there’s something else that could be in the air that’s important to be aware of: hantavirus.

There may come a time in your life or a loved one’s life where you’ll need extra help with living at home. A wide range of services are available to you right in your own home and in your community from Interior Health (IH).  

Oliver and area residents are advised that Interior Health has secured physician coverage tonight for the emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver. The emergency department will be open at 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 11.

People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility. 

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

Emergency services will be unavailable from 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10 to 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 11. Patients can access care at Penticton Regional Hospital during this time.

Name: Tammy Molina (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Regional Practice Leader, Clinical Ethics
Years of Service: 13
Worksite: Kelowna Community Health & Services Centre
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: Okanagan-Syilx

Jennifer Monaghan was a healthy, active stay-at-home mom when she was diagnosed with a heart condition.

“I came downstairs one night after tucking my daughter in, and no words would come out,” she recalls. Her husband recognized immediately that she was having a stroke.

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.