When I first began working as a technologist in breast cancer screening mammography, I was stunned to learn that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. I was also surprised to discover how many women don't know the benefits of mammograms, or avoid them because they believe the procedure is painful. I really enjoy educating women on the importance of screening, whether they are family and friends, or women who come in for a mammogram.  Screening mammography saves lives. It has led to a 25 per cent reduction in deaths from breast cancer in Canada. The technology we use can detect breast cancer long before a woman is aware of anything going on in her breast. Detecting breast cancer at an early stage can make a big difference in a woman's diagnosis, breast surgery and treatment.  The part of my job I enjoy the most is making the screening experience as comfortable and easy as possible. I love it when a patient leaves saying, "wow, that was way easier than I expected and I am going to tell my friends to get their mammograms done, too."   As technologists we work hard to obtain good images to assess breast tissue but also to leave a positive impact on a patient so they will return for future mammograms.   Working in mammography has led me to be aware of changes within in my own body and to encourage the women around me to do the same.  B.C's screening mammography program is an excellent resource for all women and we need to take advantage of it. Interested in a career in mammography? Check us out!

We Are IH is a new recognition campaign to spotlight our people in a real way – through pictures and stories that allow their authenticity to shine through! Every week Interior Health employees or medical staff will be featured through our News@IH website and our weekly In the Loop Roundup email newsletter.  To help us celebrate National Respiratory Week, we are excited to feature Jacqueline Turvey, RRT, CRE, CTE, and the Coordinator at Integrated Primary and Community Care Program/Primary Care Respiratory Therapist at Interior Health in Kamloops for the past 13 years. Over her career, she has made an incredible impact working within her community of Kamloops and supporting the Primary Care offices in a variety of cases. As an educator, every day at work she pursues her passion for helping others in their homes, physician offices, or in her own office. One of her most satisfying projects was an Emergency Preparedness Class (specifically relating to forest fires) for her clients. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, as they shared how they felt safer and more aware of what they can do to help their breathing stay in control during forest fires. It’s moments like these that bring everyone together and help us support each other through tough times. “I love my job because it offers so much variety. Some days I feel like a detective trying to put together pieces of information to figure out how to best help one of my clients. There is so much job satisfaction in supporting a client and knowing that it is the support/information that we provided that is the thing that helps them feel better or improve their quality of life.” One of her proudest moments at IH was being recognized by Chris Mazurkewich, the past president and CEO, of Interior Health in September 2018 for her Emergency Preparedness work with her clients. Thank you for your phenomenal contribution, Jacqueline! Looking back through her career, Jacqueline reminiscences on opportunities she was able to experience as an RT. A highlight was participating as a volunteer for four years in an international project to Guyana called Global Access to Spirometry Project (GASP) led by Dr. Bob Levy, Respirologist, and Carmen Rempel, RRT, CRE, both from VCH. Working in such a collaborative environment, Jacqueline continues to inspire others and be inspired by the knowledge and professionalism of the different clinicians and Primary Care providers that she works alongside. Her clients continue to inspire her in her purpose to help people be their healthiest and best self, one breath at a time. Family is very important to Jacqueline. She is currently raising her family in her hometown of the Secwépemc / Kamloops territory balancing her professional and personal life. As a mother, wife, and person of First Nations heritage, she values having fun, laughing, and creating memories with her loved ones. In her downtime Jacqueline likes to express her creative side while playing the ukulele, making jewelry, painting, knitting/crocheting, gardening, and cooking (especially fresh from her own garden!). Jacqueline and her team, among our other frontline workers, have been working exceptionally hard during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are so proud of their tenancy, innovation, and contribution to keeping us safe. Thank you so much for all that you do, Jacqueline! Nominate a colleague or join in yourself with the We Are IH submission form. Check back each Friday for the next We Are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. Jacqueline's nomination of Lisa Mullen keeps the We Are IH loop going: Lisa has been with IH for over 15 years at the same site (KPCC) which is amazing. She is a talented baker and when we used to have staff parties everyone would look forward to her treats. Clinicians, Primary Care Providers, and other clerical staff look to her for her expertise and organization skills. She provides leadership and stability at our site and she models the values that create a wonderful workplace culture. Her wonderful personality, kind ways and her calm presence are lovely to be around. Congratulations Lisa on your 15-year long-term service pin at IH! "I would like to extend our appreciation for the amazing work you do. Your diligence, self-motivation, leadership, and dedications are an inspiration to the team and an important role in the clinic!" - Jodie Helm, Lisa's Manager

This year, more than ever before, our health care system is relying on the work of our Respiratory Therapists. The pandemic has brought a lot of uncertainty and challenging times, especially to our frontline workers who continue to navigate the COVID-19 crisis around the clock. Join us in celebrating National Respiratory Therapy Week from October 25th to October 31st, where we have the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate our hard-working Respiratory Therapists across our organization. While providing exceptional health care, each and every one of them has proven to be innovative as they adapt to the "new normal", especially on the front lines. As an organization, we are so proud of the incredible work our team has accomplished as we come together to protect our community's health. What is Respiratory Therapist Week? The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) celebrates Respiratory Therapy week annually to educate the public about the varied roles and responsibilities of respiratory therapists and to raise awareness of the significant contribution made by respiratory therapists across our healthcare system. September These highly trained health professionals dedicate themselves to providing the best possible cardio-respiratory care to patients of all ages by staying at the forefront of all available research and technology. Many City Councilor's and Mayor's have made proclamations for RT week to show their support. The Mayor Ken Christian of the City of Kamloops responded with a proclamation on behalf of the initiative of one of our leaders at IH, Jacqueline Turvey, RRT, CRE, CTE in Kamloops. Mayor "On behalf of Kamloops City Council, please accept our sincere thanks for the amazing work you perform daily. Your care and professionalism are greatly appreciated especially during this uncertain time." - Mayor Ken Christian, City of Kamloops Colin Basran of the City of Kelowna also made a proclamation for Respiratory Therapy Week, "Respiratory Therapists are committed to providing quality care for those suffering from respiratory illness and those in life-threatening situations and Respiratory Therapists educate the public about lung health, and work alongside a team of medical staff mak[ing] critical decisions, and support those with breathing difficulties..." - Mayor Colin Basran of the City of Kelowna  Andrea Bucyk, Respiratory Therapist at Kelowna General Hospital. Photo courtesy of Darren Hull Photography on behalf of the KGH Foundation Meet Our Respiratory Therapists We interviewed Respiratory Therapists across our organization to spotlight some of the incredible workers behind the masks. Many of our Respiratory Therapists found inspiration to pursue their careers to help others in a health care environment and be directly involved in the care of patients. Tracee Gallant, RRT in Kamloops reflects on what inspired her to start her career. "I really wanted to be a part of a multi-disciplinary health care team. The respiratory field is so diverse and we are able to work in many different areas such as acute care, long-term, home, diagnostic, and rehabilitation.  As a community RT, I love working with clients in a group setting to educate and help them to build skills to self-manage their disease." - Tracee Gallant, RRT, Kamloops   Tracee Gallant, RRT, Kamloops A common consensus among our RT's is the love of empowering others through education. By sharing their knowledge they can help others build skills to self-manage their disease, feel safer, and improve their quality of life. Supporting their community is a priority for most RT's and Tracee Gallant shares how her 8-week program, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, educates people with chronic lung conditions to manage their disease. "I love being involved in a program that helps people improve their quality of life.  It is so wonderful to hear client stories on how they have been able to reduce their shortness of breath and improve their quality of life.  Every day, I get to do something I love and have a positive impact on people’s lives." - Tracee Gallant, RRT, Kamloops  Shayla Sallis, Respiratory Therapist, Kamloops "I love my job because I know RTs are an integral part of the health care team. We participate in the first breath of our smallest patients, and we help our sickest patients take their last breath comfortably. I love that my colleagues take every situation in stride, no matter how emergent it is, and I love that most RTs have a sense of humour that propels us through the hard times. I feel that as a group, RTs stick together and weather the storm. I know that in the light of the global pandemic, respiratory staff around the globe are directly impacting the care and survival of our patients. " - Shayla Sallis, RRT, Kamloops Jacqueline Turvey, RRT, CRE, CTE, the Coordinator at Integrated Primary and Community Care Program/Primary Care Respiratory Therapist loves working within her community of Kamloops and supporting the Primary Care offices in a variety of cases. As an educator, every day at work she pursues her passion for helping others in their homes, physician offices, or in her own office. One of her most satisfying projects was an Emergency Preparedness Class (specifically relating to forest fires) for her clients. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, as they shared how they felt safer and more aware of what they can do to help their breathing stay in control during forest fires. It's moments like these that bring everyone together and help us support each other through tough times. "I love my job because it offers so much variety. Some days I feel like a detective trying to put together pieces of information to figure out how to best help one of my clients. There is so much job satisfaction in supporting a client and knowing that it is the support/information that we provided that is the thing that helps them feel better or improve their quality of life." - Jacqueline Turvey, RRT Looking back through her career Jacqueline reminiscences on opportunities she was able to experience as an RT. A highlight was participating as a volunteer for four years in an international project to Guyana called Global Access to Spirometry Project (GASP).  Jacqueline Turvey, Respiratory Therapist, Kamloops How To Become a Respiratory Therapist Ashlee Freeman is currently a student Respiratory Therapist in Kamloops working in the ICU. Her favourite thing has been managing ventilated patients and working within such a dynamic team to come together to provide exceptional care to the patient. Plus, the adrenaline rush when you sink the line and the blood flow in the arterial lines! "I chose Respiratory Therapy because I wanted a career in healthcare that would allow me to work hands-on with a variety of patients throughout the hospital. Since beginning the program, I have realized how integral Respiratory Therapists are to the healthcare team." - Ashlee Freeman, Student RT, Kamloops In British Columbia Thompson River University in Kamloops offers four programs to start your career as a Respiratory Therapist. The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists has many resources on the schools and programs across Canada that also offer Respiratory Therapist schools. If you're looking to join Interior Health as a Respiratory Therapist please apply here. Thank you to our incredible team of Respiratory Therapists at Interior Health, we are so proud to have you a part of our team!  Ashley Freeman, Student Respiratory Therapist in Kamloops, BC. Follow Careers at Interior Health on Social Media facebook.com/IHJobs/@interiorhealthbc.careers

Nelson resident Paul Burgener has had plenty of experience with the health-care system, both as a patient and as an advocate for making improvements to the patient experience.   Diagnosed with prostate cancer, Paul had surgery to remove the cancer almost five years ago, when he travelled from Nelson to have the procedure done at Vancouver General Hospital. Driving to Vancouver from Nelson was a exhausting and costly adventure which included nearly 1,300 kilometres of driving through two mountain passes as well as two nights in a hotel room.  Paul Burgener   So when Paul’s PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels were showing an increase last year, he was hopeful a follow up conversation with his physician could be done via the phone. At first he was requested to attend in person, however soon after the COVID-19 pandemic hit he was offered a virtual appointment. “I found it really beneficial,” says Paul who had a blood test in Nelson but received the results in a virtual appointment. “It preserved my health and it preserved my safety as I didn’t have to drive in snowy conditions. As it turned out, we were able to view the results and everything was stable so it was good news for me.” Paul’s appointment is a good example of how health care has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistics show that only 10 per cent of people in Canada have experience with virtual care while 41 per cent of patients would like to have virtual visits.   It certainly was the case with Paul, who avoided a costly journey to Vancouver to receive his test results.    “I thought it was about time. I’m 75-years-old so I’m not in the young generation that is all about social media, but myself, my wife and our friends, we all thought the virtual appointments were great. It was convenient. From my house in Nelson, it takes an hour to get to the hospital on public transit. On the virtual side of things, I have someone there that I can discuss it with and they can understand whether it’s serious or not and what the next steps are.”     How to prepare for a virtual appointment: Find the right location (private, comfortable, free of distractions, brightly lit) Earphones or headphones (for better audio quality and privacy) Glasses, hearing aids or other accessibility devices Your B.C. health insurance number Computer, smart phone or tablet (fully charged or plugged into a power source and connected to the Internet) Download software or an application (your healthcare provider may ask you to download software or an application for your visit) Test your equipment (make a practice call to ensure video/audio equipment and settings are working) Optional: a family member or friend to assist with translation or health knowledge Be ready to discuss: Symptoms (What are your symptoms? When did they start? How severe are they and how are you managing them?) Key health data (weight, temperature, home blood pressure and any other health data you monitor) Current medications, vitamins and allergies Current health prevention and treatment activities (relevant health history, functional issues, assistive devices, past traumas, past surgeries or hospitalizations, and immunizations) Immediate family history (parents and siblings) Your care team members

We Are IH is a new recognition campaign to spotlight our people in a real way – through pictures and stories that allow their authenticity to shine through! Every week Interior Health employees or medical staff will be featured through our News@IH website and our weekly In the Loop Roundup email newsletter.  As an Acute Care Social Worker at Vernon Jubilee Hospital over the past six years, Natalie is always looking for ways to further her education and career. As a recent graduate from the University of Waterloo’s Master of Social Work program, she continues to provide value to IH, her co-workers, and her patients. With a growth mindset, she continues to learn more each day, lately via podcasts. One of her proudest moments at IH was initiating a conversation with IH’s President and CEO Susan Brown regarding racism in our health-care system and having an opportunity to discuss the ways IH is working on acknowledging and improving Cultural Safety and Cultural Humility. This has certainly given her the confidence and drive to continue being a voice in that discussion. We are so proud of you, Natalie, and thankful to have you and your voice at IH. Born in Castlegar, her family moved shortly after to where she would grow up in Coquitlam and Vancouver. Looking for a change, she moved to Vernon 10 years ago and is very happy with her decision to plant roots and grow her career here. She is a member of the Wiikwemkoong First Nation situated on the northeastern part of Manitoulin Island in Ontario and a visitor to the Okanagan/Syilx territory where she lives in Vernon. Natalie feels extremely lucky to work with such an incredible team of social workers in the North Okanagan. The strength and professionalism that they share with their community members and teams inspire her to advocate against health inequities and to work towards demolishing power imbalances that are so often present in our health-care system. Her co-workers describe her as a hilarious, witty, charming, dependable, and authentic person with a great shoe collection. An outdoor adventurer at heart, she loves exploring the beautiful outdoors of the Okanagan road cycling or hiking with her dog, Jack. She is often looking forward to the weekend and spending quality time with Jack searching for the picturesque backdrop for her Dog, Jack’s Instagram account. Follow him on Instagram @cairnjack! Check back each Friday for the next We Are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. Natalie's nomination of Allison New keeps the We Are IH loop going: Palliative Care Coordinator of Shuswap Home Health. Allison is a great advocate for improving the lives and care of the community members she serves. She is a leader at Home Health and will go above and beyond to ensure the right care is offered to community members by a knowledgeable and engaged team.

One day on a walk with my daughter and our dog in my hometown of Princeton, we stopped to look at our local “Bridge of Dreams”. While standing there, my daughter pointed to graffiti done with a black sharpie on the bridge and asked me what it meant. There were racist, sexist and homophobic slurs as well as many symbols associated with Nazism. I felt shocked and responded hesitantly as I was forced to have a difficult  conversation right then and there with my girl around inequality in our society which included the concept of genocide.  This conversation was not easy as I tried to tone it to the innocence of my child.   I phoned the Town of Princeton in front of my daughter as soon as we got home and explained to the clerk what we had seen and how I was saddened and hoped for removal as soon as possible. The person taking my report said she would get right on it and asked if I would like a phone call back when the removal was done. I initually thought that was unnecessary, but she suggested it might be a good idea so I could take my daughter back to the bridge to demonstrate that our town and society takes action to remedy these situations as they are not tolerated. We went to see the cleaned-up bridge a few days later and it was very impressive how even the deep marks had been sanded off the wood. I felt really proud to be a Princeton resident that day. A few weeks later the news reported the death of Mr. George Floyd while in police custody. I was inspired by the global response and calls for social justice and I wanted to do something locally to help affect change. I realized I had a unique opportunity to share my message as the front fence of my home faces the highway and hundreds of locals and travellers use the route. So inspired,  I started to create a sign. My daughter and I talked about the sign and the message it sends. She connected our conversation to what she had learned in school about Orange Shirt Day and residential schools, and began to help decorate the sign. We attached our 37 ft. sign to the fence and the response from our community was very positive. I had colleagues texting me “I like the sign on your fence “ with heart emojis and I had people come off the highway and find our house in town and take photos in front of the sign.  I asked colleagues to come and have a photo together.  The message on this sign applies to so many historically marginalized groups in our world. I especially acknowledge our First Nations people and the unfathomable challenges they have suffered over generations of being targeted by legislative and systemic societal failures in Canada. I believe education is key to changing the world and organizations like Interior Health are very important in promoting such messaging. Here we make it a point to provide education to our staff about Aboriginal history so we can improve our awareness and incorporate a better understanding into our work.  It makes me proud to work here. I am so hopeful the next generation will take us forward in moving closer to equal justice for all and I hope to instill this power into my own little girl.

Right across Canada, more than ever, we need people of all ages and walks of life to get vaccinated against influenza. The more we reduce the presence of respiratory illness this winter, the better positioned we are to continue fighting against COVID-19. When we assess a patient’s respiratory symptoms, our job is easier if they have had the flu shot because it helps us determine if the illness is more likely influenza or COVID-19. So far, Interior Health has been fortunate that our health-care system has kept up to the demands of COVID-19. But I can share with you, we are seeing challenges in some places, such as testing sites and labs, and we have entered a fragile time with the cooler weather. We need to avoid the influx of really sick patients with influenza, which, combined with COVID-19 pressures, could push our health-care system to the edge. I know from more than 30 years of experience in health care that getting the flu shot helps prevent the system from surging over capacity. If you are under 40, you may think influenza and COVID-19 are nothing to fear, but we need everybody to think of others during this difficult time. While the symptoms for you may be mild, as with COVID-19, you could unknowingly pass the flu to loved ones and it can be fatal. Our seniors and elders have been there for all of us and they need our support today. I can’t think of a better way to show appreciation than by taking advantage of any defence that will protect their health when they need us the most. The flu shot is a tool in the tool box. The choice is yours to decide whether to use the tools to protect yourself and the ones you love. Over the next few weeks, you will hear more about Interior Health’s public campaign to encourage vaccination. We will be working with many different providers to promote our influenza campaign this year. The flu season typically ramps up in November, but before it reaches our communities, talk to your bubble, your neighbours’ bubble, and your social media bubble. Encourage everyone to get their bubble vaccinated. Even if you have never felt the need to get the flu shot before, please do it this year. Help protect each other and the health-care system we all need.

Farm work is essential to our food supply. Every year, hundreds of temporary agriculture workers from across the country travel to B.C. to help with harvest. This year was no different, with the big exception of COVID-19. Municipalities and regional districts in our region worked closely with the provincial government, Interior Health and many other organizations to keep farm workers and communities safe. When the Loose Bay campground outside Oliver was closed by it's management society due to the complexity of COVID-19 regulations, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen stepped in and opened the site to accommodate agricultural workers. They did this without initial funding and worked tirelessly with IH to establish COVID protocols for the site. They even produced bilingual signage to accommodate the many French Canadians staying there. The District of Summerland identified a section of their local public campground to be used exclusively by domestic farmworkers. They even set up extra facilities and brought in an RV in case anyone needed self-isolation accommodation. The Regional District of Central Kootenay, in partnership with the Town of Creston, established an Economic Recovery Committee to help the agriculture industry adopt and communicate the necessary guidelines and orders from the federal and provincial government. This committee also arranged and managed an agricultural worker accommodation site to ensure the health and safety of employees and their community. Inside Interior Health we were also busy preparing for this important time in our communities. Many different teams came together to develop a plan that would help us prepare for all possibilities. This effective internal teamwork - in partnership with external stakeholders - was public health in action because it protected the health-care system and prevented domestic temporary agricultural COVID-19 cases. “Public health work done well is invisible because the outcome is what people would expect, no outbreaks among domestic farm workers” says Dr. Silvina Mema, Medical Health Officer. The efforts of those involved in the planning and implementation of safe accommodation hubs paid off and helped to keep all IH communities safe this harvest season.

The term Health Care Heroes has been top of mind this year as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic. Our Health Care Assistants (HCA), among other professions, work around the clock to protect our most vulnerable population and provide companionship through this isolating period. In these uncertain and challenging times adjusting to the “new normal”, they have been innovative, adaptable, and committed to providing exceptional health care. The support that they provide is truly the glue that holds us all together. Each and every one of you inspires us with your passion for helping others and together you will continue to impact the lives of so many.   What is Health Care Assistant Day? Established in 2011, Health Care Assistant day is celebrated annually on October 18 to recognize and show our sincere appreciation for all that they do. Please join us today as we honour over 35,000 Health Care Assistants within British Columbia. They continue to provide 24-hour care to protect and support British Columbians who have complex care needs in a variety of settings to remain independent as long as possible.   IH Health Care Assistant Heroes We interviewed many HCA’s from those taking the first step in their career to those celebrating Long Term Service Awards of 10, 20 or even 25 plus years. Those with experience shared advice to HCA’s just starting their career in health care, “To just be yourself and to treat everyone as if they were family. Be gentle with yourself and take the time to get to know each resident and their individual routines.” Many of our HCA’s found inspiration for their career from first-hand experience with their loved ones being cared for. Due to their empathic nature, many started their career as an HCA seeking the opportunity to honour those in palliative care or to be able to help those in need live their best life. The common consensus of HCA's outlines their favourite part of their job is the people. From the team they work with, to the people they care for to the bond made with the families. Each day they do little things to make a difference in the lives of others and bring a smile to their face. Meet Our Health Care Assistants Tammy started her career at Interior Health as a Health Care Aide over 21 years ago, part of her journey included 14.5 years at the Gateby Care Center before joining the team at Polson Care Center. Tammy sheds light on the challenges they are currently facing: “The pandemic affects many things. We are now required to wear masks and goggles. We change into our uniforms when we arrive at work and back into our street clothes before we leave and our temperatures are taken at the beginning of every shift.” Day-to-day life has changed for everyone, especially the patients and residents in care. Tammy and her team explain how they have invented new ways to connect with the patients and ensure that they are providing quality companionship throughout these challenging times. They have created special visiting rooms for families to ensure they are still able to connect. In addition, many care aides try to spend as much 1-on-1 time as possible with the residents.   Many HCA's reflected on how their continued education at Interior Health has allowed them to utilize their learned knowledge to provide better care for their patients. Lana, a Health Care Aide at IH, describes how her Palliative Care course allowed her to better help families navigate challenging decisions. It's moments like this where she feels a sense of pride and knows that she is making a difference. It's moments that they can bring joy and cheer into the lives of the residents that make the holidays memorable. For example, the staff loves to dress up and celebrate the holidays with the residents. Jeanine, a Health Care Aide at IH, shares how moved she feels almost every day working with her residents and team. She emphasizes how the connection with the residents is what makes her job so rewarding. Many reminisce about setting residents up in their room so they don't miss the NHL playoffs, tucking in the residents at night with a warm blanket and their favorite stuffed animals, and watching yodeling videos because it's their favourite thing. These small moments have a significant impact on the lives of others and we are so grateful to have such compassionate, caring, and incredible people at Interior Health.   Interior Health emphasizes the importance of having a work-life balance for optimal mental health. Luckily situated in beautiful Southern Interior British Columbia, we have a four-season playground to explore in our own backyard. When our HCA's aren't in the workplace they can be found hitting the slopes, gardening, hiking, or camping to name a few.   Tammy, Health Care Aide at IH enjoying the 5K Foam Fest How to Become an HCA The demand for health care assistants is ever increasing and this year with the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to demonstrate how essential they are to the safety and quality of personal care for patients. If you’re looking create a meaningful impact, and make a difference in someone’s life apply on our website: jobs.interiorhealth.ca/health-care-assistant A sincere thank you to all Health Care Assistants holding different titles including Community Health Worker, Residential Care Aide, Home Support Worker, Long-Term Care Aide, Home Health Aide, Continuing Care Assistant and Personal Care Aide.