As the toxic drug emergency continues, drug checking is one way to reduce the risk of using unregulated drugs. Drug checking provides the most accurate information about what is in drugs, so people who use drugs can make informed choices about where, when and how much to use. The service is fast, free, confidential, and is legal at approved sites. Samples can be as small as a grain of rice and results are typically available within 10 minutes. The staff who provide the service are non-judgmental and, no matter the results, we don’t confiscate drugs, and they can be returned to you. Whatever reason you choose to use drugs; we want you to bring in or drop off a sample for testing before you use.

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.  In this next story of our series on the incredible health-care and hospital foundations throughout our region, we interviewed Jessica McLellan, chair of Lillooet District Hospital Foundation.  

Name: Sharon Kriger (she/her/hers)Job Title: Labour relations specialistLength of Service: 6 yearsWorksite: Kelowna Community Health & Services CentreCommunity: North OkanaganAncestral Territory: syilxFavourite Quote / Advice to Live By: "There are three sides to every story: my side, your side and the truth and no one is lying. Memories shared serve each one differently."  - Robert Evans Sharon Kriger is a labour relations specialist with Interior Health (IH) who is inspired by the people around her, and is a proud auntie of two thirds of the Dixie Fried Hep Katz Canadian rockabilly band: an energetic rockabilly trio based in the Okanagan valley in B.C. Canada. Realizing that she wanted to work with people, Sharon obtained an education in human resources (HR). She worked various contract positions across many provinces and industries to get a breadth of experience and help her be great at her job. One of her proudest career accomplishments was working a one-year contract with STARS (Shock, Trauma, Air Rescue Society) out of Alberta.

Many of us embrace our 50s and 60s and beyond as an opportunity for adventure and discovery. Sooner or later, however—as much as we might not want to admit it—most of us will face age-related challenges. None of us knows what the future holds, but we can plan for it. There are tools and ways we can plan for the unexpected, whether it’s a medical emergency or slower decline.  Even if you’re feeling well and healthy now, it’s a good idea to be prepared in case you become suddenly unwell and not able to make decisions for yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning for your health and well-being:

Like many expectant moms, Emily Canzian attended prenatal classes and did a lot of preparing for her son Luca’s birth.  But even with classes and education, it was still a shock to Emily how difficult breastfeeding proved to be in the first three days after birth. “You're not really prepared for how tough it's going to be,” says the Kelowna dietitian. “In the classes they touch on topics like the time it takes for milk to come in, and the several weeks it can take to establish breastfeeding and milk supply.  “The struggles and the changes in my own body as it prepared to produce milk were intense for me.” 

Content warning: This article references Indian residential schools (IRS) and may affect those who attended a school or know someone impacted by it. Each year, September 30 marks Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters.” This date was chosen because it is the time of year in which Indigenous children were taken from their homes to residential schools. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home from and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. This federal statutory holiday was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament in 2021. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Name: Natalie Daniels (she/her)Job Title: Manager, Indigenous Patient CareLength of Service: 11Worksite:  Regional/RemoteCommunity: VernonAncestral Territory: syilx territory Natalie of Wiikwemkoong First Nation has called syilx territory home for 15 glorious years. She lives in a town colonially known as Vernon with her partner, Kirsten, and their dog Rosalita, who has “perfected the art of hammock lounging” during many family camping trips. To Natalie, inclusion and accessibility are what create the opportunity to truly belong. And through her leadership, her laughter and her determination, she has built a career out of embracing life’s ups and downs with heart.

A program designed to help students ages 12-16 develop skills to manage stress, peer pressure and conflict is set to expand to more schools across the Interior region and B.C. PreVenture is a research-backed program developed by University of Montreal’s Dr. Patricia Conrod that helps students recognize their own responses to challenges. Through two short, personality-focused in-school workshops, students develop adaptive coping skills, set long-term goals, and channel their unique personality towards achieving those goals.

Name: Xavier Gomes (he/him/his)Job Title: Manager, Support Services, East KootenayLength of Service: 4 yearsWorksite:  East Kootenay Regional HospitalCommunity: CranbrookAncestral Territory: KtunaxaFavourite Quote / Advice to Live By: "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."  Xavier is inspired to work in health care because it affords him the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. “My mission is to support healing and recovery by ensuring access to nourishing food and proper nutrition, while promoting clean, safe environments that foster health, dignity and well-being for every patient and staff member I serve,” he shares.  He’s motivated every day by patients’ gratitude and the positive impact he has on their lives. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my efforts contribute to their comfort and recovery during a time when they need it most,” Xavier says.