In the eight years since B.C. declared a public health emergency because of deaths due to unregulated drug poisonings, we’ve seen more than 14,000 people die in this province. Do an online search about the toxic drug crisis, and the statistics jump out from the screen—numbers that are incomprehensible. But it seems the larger the numbers, the less compassionate we feel for the humans who have died. It’s called “psychic numbing,” a phenomenon in which the value of a single life diminishes the larger the tragedy. And this tragedy continues to grow. But unlike deaths from natural disasters and disease in which those who have died aren’t considered at fault, the toxic drug crisis is shaded by stigma, shame, anti-Indigenous racism, labels and blame. Myths and misconceptions abound about who’s dying, where they are dying, and why. On this eighth anniversary of the toxic drug crisis, we want to introduce you to three people who have lived experiences with unregulated drugs. All are peer volunteers for Interior Health, working in our offices, overdose prevention sites and as outreach workers to help others. We asked them to share their perspectives, what they want you to know, and what you can do to change the conversation.*

Name: Michelle Holm Job Title: Medical Laboratory Technologist Years of Service: 14 Worksite: Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Community:  Trail Ancestral Territory: Syilx and Ktunaxa Favourite Quote: Be the change you wish to see in the world. — Gandhi Michelle Holm is a medical laboratory technologist based at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) in Trail, B.C. While she’s lived most of her life in Trail, she spent some years of her childhood growing up in Kamloops. Michelle is passionate about team-building, quality improvement, education and knowledge sharing.

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 second story of our series on the incredible health-care and hospital foundations throughout our region, we interviewed Heidi Coleman, CEO, Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) Foundation.

Name: Gheboa Zeleniski (she/her/hers) Job Title: Support Services Years of Service:  5 years Worksite:  Cariboo Memorial Hospital Community:  Williams Lake Ancestral Territory: Secwépemc First Nations Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: "Everything happens for a reason." Born in Squamish, Gheboa (pronounced “Ja-bo-a”) Zeleniski comes from a large family of five brothers and two step-siblings. Her parents named her after an actress but changed the pronunciation slightly so her name sounded more French. Gheboa’s Indigenous ancestors are from Saskatchewan, and include her great-grandmother, Dorothy Macquabeak Francis. Dorothy founded the first Indigenous friendship centre in Regina and was awarded the Order of Canada in 1978. When she was a young girl, Gheboa and her parents travelled to a powwow in Broadview, Saskatchewan where her great-grandmother spent her early life. There, she was given the name “Peppermint Woman” by a North Dakota Medicine Man named Clifford Young Bear, a name that signifies strength and healing.

We’re exploring one of our most important natural resources: water. In part 1 of this two-part series, Do you know where your drinking water comes from?, we shared resources about our water operators and suppliers, and how to find out if you water is under an advisory. In this story, discover how you can take care of your water supply and prepare for the spring and summer ahead.

Name: Christopher Russell (he/him/his) Job Title: Leadership & Organization Development Consultant Years of Service: 2.5 Worksite: Community Health & Services Centre Community: Kelowna Ancestral Territory: Syilx/Okanagan Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: “Growth and comfort do not coexist.” – Ginni Rometty, “All things are difficult before they are easy.” – Thomas Fuller A calm, empathetic and imaginative change management professional, Chris Russell is passionate about working in public service, and supporting the growth and development of others. From inspiring folks to see new career possibilities through facilitating workshops and development sessions, to being involved in the launch of the Change Leadership and Change Management programs and Interior Health (IH) Change Framework, Chris is a valuable resource as IH navigates change, big and small.

Interior Health is dedicated to both fostering talent and advancing environmental sustainability— making work-integrated learning a win-win. Learn more from our very own Amanda Mckenzie, manager of environmental sustainability, and Avery Schneider, environmental sustainability intern.

When you take a drink of water, shower, water your garden or wash your car, have you ever paused to think about the journey your water takes from the source to your taps? If you’re among tens of thousands of people in the Interior region who rely on the city for your water supply, it’s easy to take for granted we have access to safe, clean drinking water. On the other hand, if you’re on a small water system, you likely have a more intimate knowledge about who provides and treats your water. You might be surprised to know the Interior is home to close to 2,000 permitted water system providers and operators – a person or organization that supplies and/or treats water. Some water system operators supply water to as few as a half dozen homes or an RV park. Cities like Kelowna and Kamloops provide water to tens of thousands of residents. 

Name: Kris Scott (he/him/his) Job Title: Formulary coordinator, pharmacy services Years of Service: 7 Worksite: Kelowna CHSC (and home office) Community: West Kelowna Ancestral Territory: Syilx/Okanagan Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.” -Mark Twain From the time your health-care provider writes you a prescription in hospital to the time your nurse provides it to you, there’s an intricate process that takes place, one which is always evolving. One of the people helping guide this process is Kris Scott, formulary coordinator for Interior Health pharmacy services. “I'm passionate about quality improvement,” says Kris, who was born and raised in Prince Rupert, B.C. “Having the opportunity to work as a pharmacist in a unique regional role provides me with almost daily opportunities to contribute to system changes that can improve efficiencies for our IH pharmacy teams in supporting patient care. "At the end of the day, it's really being able to have a positive impact on patient care that inspires me and the work I do.”