For caregivers supporting loved ones affected by substance use, the journey can feel like a lonely one. Whether a mom, dad, grandparent, spouse, sibling or friend, caregivers shoulder worry, shame, guilt and despair. Holding Hope Peer Support Groups were founded by Moms Stop the Harm (MSTH), a network of Canadian families affected by substance use-related harms and deaths. The support groups provide a safe space for caregivers to come together to share stories and resources without stigma, and to build strength and resilience.   “Holding Hope groups are about walking the same journey as other caregivers – without stigma, without judgement," says Jacquie Huser, project coordinator for Interior Parent Peer Support. "The groups offer an opportunity to feel less alone on a challenging, difficult journey.”

On Thursday, July 25, Interior Health started a precautionary evacuation of residents of The Pavilion long-term care home in New Denver. Nearby Silverton—a small town of 200 on Slocan Lake—had already been issued an evacuation order the day before due to the advancing Aylwin Creek fire. By mid-afternoon on July 25, New Denver was on an evacuation alert.  In this first of our two-part story on evacuations and repatriation, get a glimpse into how an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) works. Read a behind-the-scenes, first-person account of the evacuation in New Denver from Lisa Keech, a critical care nurse on the High Acuity Response Team at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail.

Name: Erin Blackwell (she/hers/her)Job Title: Manager of Clinical Operations, Neuro, Trauma and Stroke UnitYears of Service: 7Worksite: Royal Inland HospitalCommunity:  KamloopsAncestral Territory: SecwempcFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: Think globally, act locally. Erin Blackwell, manager of clinical operations, Neuro, Trauma and Stroke Unit at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) in Kamloops is someone who truly lives by her motto “think globally, act locally.”  Erin is very passionate about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. So much so, she successfully advocated for rainbow lanyards and rainbow nametags to become available to all staff to promote inclusivity at Interior Health (IH). “Symbols are important in society, and the rainbow symbolizes acceptance and openness. Health care should be the most inclusive system, as our patients come from all walks of life,” says Erin.  

Next week, kids in B.C. are headed back to school. Leaving the car at home and choosing active ways to get to school is not only good for kids’ health, but lessens pollution and reduces vehicle congestion around schools. Walking, biking, riding a scooter, skateboarding and even rollerblading/rollerskating are popular ways to get to school or work. A little planning ahead—and these safety reminders—can make sure your kids get to school safely. “Planning how your child will get to school on foot, by bike or by scooter before the first day of school can help reduce the risk of injuries,” says Dr. Silvina Mema, deputy chief medical health officer for IH. “Practise walking or riding with your child to school while sharing safety reminders. Have everything ready the night before so you’re not rushing out the door.”

Name: Nancy-Jo O’Neill (she/her/hers)Job Title: Clinical Operations ManagerYears of Service: 11Worksite: Sparwood Primary Health Care, Elkford Health CentreCommunity:  Elk Valley     Ancestral Territory: Ktunaxa NationFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: “Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” - J.J. Marine Clinical operations manager Nancy-Jo O’Neill is fuelled by chasing the next adventure – whether it be skiing fresh tracks in the backcountry or navigating the challenging but rewarding world of primary care.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a day to come together and remember those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. Held on August 31 every year, IOAD is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose. The theme for 2024 is “Together we can” highlighting the power of community when we all stand together. IOAD is also a day to recognize and remind us that addiction is a health condition. People use drugs for many reasons—reasons some of us may never understand.

In August 2023, with the McDougall Creek Wildfire at their doorstep, Interior Health employee Andrea, her husband and young son Ethan were ordered to evacuate their home. They were among the more than 10,000 people who had to quickly leave their Kelowna community. When they left in vehicles crammed with all they could pack, Orca and Nelson were also on board. Orca, a shepherd mix, and Nelson, their cat, have been beloved members of Andrea's family for 10 years. “In the chaos of leaving our home, we nearly forgot Nelson's litter box,” recalls Andrea. “It might seem insignificant during an evacuation, but there aren’t really any alternatives to a litter box for a house cat. “This experience taught me the importance of planning ahead for our pets as well as ourselves.”

If you or someone you know has taken the brave step to seek treatment for alcohol or drug use, the journey to recovery and health will be full of transitions. A transition might look like finishing detox, waiting for another service such as counselling, moving back home or into a new community, or starting a new job. Moving from a structured, safe environment like a treatment centre or hospital, to an unstructured one, can also leave someone feeling vulnerable. While periods between endings and beginnings can bring feelings of accomplishment and joy, they can also be challenging. This is the thinking that went into Interior Health’s Aftercare program.

A unique pilot project at Interior Health (IH) is helping students expand their views of health-care careers. Launched in October 2022 with Salmon Arm Secondary and Shuswap Lake General Hospital, the Enhanced Youth Program (EYP) introduces students to the diverse career opportunities available within a hospital.