International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 31 brings together a global community to take action on overdose. This year’s theme, One Big Family Driven by Hope, reminds us that these losses do not just shatter individual families; they fracture entire communities. “International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to bring communities together—to remember the lives we have lost, to support those still living with the impacts of this crisis, and to stand as allies in the work ahead,” shares Alison Houweling, a harm reduction coordinator with Interior Health. “Substance use is a health concern. Like any other health-related activity that can lead to adverse outcomes, it requires a health response: treatment of those outcomes and options that promote health.”

Interior Health Peers from the Vernon Downtown Mental Health and Substance Use Clinic are leading a grassroots art initiative titled Expressions from the Front Lines: A Journey through the Toxic Drug Crisis. The unique exhibit, on display at the Okanagan Regional Library and Gallery Vertigo, brings together a collection of heartfelt artistic expressions from those with lived and living experiences in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, 2025.

Name: Dr. Nancy Humber (she/her/hers)Job Title: PhysicianLength of Service: 29 yearsWorksite:  Lillooet Hospital and Health CentreCommunity: Lillooet and GoldbridgeAncestral Territory: Northern St'at'imcFavourite quote: "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” — African Proverb  Advice: Health care is a complex, ever-changing service that will require deliberate, multidisciplinary approaches that consider equity, cultural awareness, and patient and family-driven success metrics to ultimately improve the health experience and outcomes of this region.  Dr. Nancy Humber is a familiar presence in the Northern St'at'imc communities, also known as Lillooet. With nearly three decades serving as a physician at the Lillooet Hospital and Health Centre, Nancy’s career journey has been rooted in a commitment to lifelong learning and meaningful allyship.  “I love people, and I have an amazing opportunity to work in the different Northern St'at'imc communities, meet local health-care teams, and learn from Elders in their homes in their communities,” she says. “These experiences have taught me how to be a better doctor and person and have improved my cultural understanding of how to be a better ally.”  

A simple courtyard in Kelowna General Hospital’s (KGH) McNair psychiatric unit has been transformed into a vibrant, healing space through a collaborative mural project rooted in culture, community and mental wellness. Led by KGH unit manager Jenny Orriss, with support from the KGH Foundation, the project has taken shape after years of determination and creative problem solving. Plans for an art project were originally paused due to challenges with anti-graffiti wall panels. But the vision was recently revived with a shared commitment to create a more therapeutic environment for patients in the unit. “As the manager of the psychiatric unit I’ve seen firsthand the impact that healing environments can have on mental wellness and recovery,” says Jenny. “This is more than just an aesthetic change—it’s about creating a space that supports grounding, reflection and hope.”

Name: Stefanie Elliott (she/her/hers)Job Title: Complex Care Housing Team LeadLength of Service: 11 yearsWorksite: Mental Health and Substance Use Complex Care HousingCommunity: KamloopsAncestral Territory: SecwépemcFavourite Quote / Advice to Live By: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” — Confucius Stefanie Elliott is a Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) Complex Care Housing team lead originally from Vancouver Island. She moved to the Tk'emlúps (Kamloops) area in 2000, then travelled the world from 2015 to 2019. Stefanie believes it’s essential to build strong relationships with coworkers and clients and learn who they are as individuals. “To have your genuine self be accepted by others gives a feeling of belonging,” she says. “Each person has their struggles and strengths—it’s an honour to have these valued relationships in my life.”

Name: Sarah Kozin (she/her/hers)Job Title: Project Coordinator - Digital HealthLength of Service: 12Worksite: Kelowna Community Health and Services CentreCommunity: VernonAncestral Territory: syilxFavourite Quote / Advice to Live By: Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For Sarah Kozin, making a difference isn’t about being in the spotlight: it’s about knowing that her work, whether big or small, helps improve care for patients, families and communities. That quiet drive, paired with a deep sense of purpose, has shaped her 12-year journey with Interior Health. Based in Vernon, B.C., where she has lived her entire life, Sarah is a project coordinator with Digital Health. She’s worked across a variety of roles, building strong relationships, deepening her skills and staying grounded in what brought her to health care in the first place. “I pursued a career in health care because it is deeply personal to me,” she says. “My own mother is a two-time cancer survivor, and witnessing her journey and the incredible support we received from the health-care team showed me just how vital a strong, compassionate and effective health-care system is. “It was through those challenging times that I truly understood the power of a dedicated care team in supporting not just individuals but entire families and communities. “Every step I take to support and improve health care has a ripple effect that helps patients, families and entire communities. That connection fuels me. It reminds me why I show up every day and why I continue to push myself to do better for the system, for the people in it, and for everyone who depends on it.”

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes to make our facilities and health-care services more environmentally sustainable? Our Environmental Sustainability, Population & Public Health, and Energy Management teams are setting the course—but they’re not embarking on this work alone. Departments across Interior Health (IH) are working together to make our health-care system more sustainable. Get to know a few of the IH teams that are leading the way—including Laboratory Services, Pharmacy Services and the Simulation Team— in making health-care delivery more eco-friendly. “It's so exciting to be part of the dynamic Environmental Sustainability team at IH,” says Dr. Ilona Hale, medical director of Climate Change and Sustainability. “Seeing IH’s Climate Change and Sustainability Roadmap come to life through the efforts of so many passionate, caring, dedicated IH staff is inspiring. No matter what your role or position, you can embed sustainability into your work and really make a difference—for our patients and our planet, for today and for the future.”

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 Fiona Harris, director of development at Shuswap Hospital Foundation.

Name: Jessica Calder (she/her/hers)Job Title: Medical Office Assistant (UPCLC) and Peer Volunteer (MHSU)Length of Service: 2-plus yearsWorksite: Kamloops South Shore Urgent Primary Care and Learning Centre (UPCLC) & Kamloops communityCommunity: KamloopsAncestral Territory: Secwépemc Jessica Calder experiences health care’s front line through different angles in her positions with Interior Health. She works full-time as a medical office assistant (MOA) at the Kamloops South Shore Urgent Primary Care and Learning Centre, where she interacts with patients looking to see a health-care professional for their concerns. A Kamloops resident for 37 years, Jessica gets out into the community as a Peer Support Volunteer for Mental Health & Substance Use (MHSU) on her days off. She said this role involves a lot of walking around downtown Kamloops, checking in on people and seeing if they need anything, and handing out harm reduction supplies. “I love to help others, especially the vulnerable population and people who may be experiencing homelessness,” Jessica says. “I work in health care as a Peer and a MOA because I can give back. I had a staff member at MHSU recommend me as a Peer and I’m so grateful that she did."