International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), observed annually on March 31, is dedicated to celebrating transgender individuals and raising awareness about the discrimination they face worldwide. TDOV was founded by transgender activist Rachel Crandall in 2009 to celebrate the lives and contributions of transgender individuals. Unlike Transgender Day of Remembrance, which mourns lives lost to violence, TDOV is a celebration of life, resilience and progress. In Canada, this day holds significant importance, reflecting our nation's commitment to diversity and inclusion. According to Statistics Canada, approximately 100,815 people (1 in 300) in Canada aged 15 and older identified as transgender or non-binary.  In 2025, TDOV takes on even greater significance as trans rights continue to be at the centre of global conversations about equality and human rights. As allies standing in solidarity and fostering a culture of acceptance, we move closer to a world where transgender and non-binary people can live openly and authentically without fear or discrimination. Recognizing TDOV provides an opportunity to honour their resilience and contributions, while also acknowledging the challenges they continue to face. We caught up with Sage Thomas, youth substance use clinician and registered nurse at Foundry Kelowna, to better understand his experience as a trans man who works in health care.

Are you a parent or caregiver trying to get your children to try new foods? Food exploration activities are being used in B.C. schools to teach kids about food and nutrition and can also be a fun way to increase acceptance of new foods at home.

On March 4, 2025, Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) had the privilege of hosting 115 grade 10 to 12 students from School District 23 for an exciting and informative Careers in Health Care Day. This event offered students the unique opportunity to explore the many diverse and rewarding career paths available in the health care sector.

Name: Jarred Kelly (he/him)Job Title: Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Trauma and Critical CareYears of Service: 7 Worksite: Kelowna General HospitalCommunity: Okanagan Ancestral Territory: syilxFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: “Treat others as you wish to be treated and you'll never go wrong!” Work plans can change at a moment’s notice for clinical pharmacy specialist Jarred Kelly, who provides clinical pharmacy services for trauma, critical care and emergency patients at Kelowna General Hospital.  “That’s what inspires me—no two days are the same. There is always something different and exciting happening,” he says. Depending on the number of patients and emergencies, such as helping to resuscitate a trauma patient, Jarred’s morning routine varies. Generally, he completes bedside rounds with the health-care team which involves reviewing patients’ medication lists for efficacy and safety, developing pharmaceutical care plans, resolving drug therapy problems and educating patients. 

There is a rare opportunity to work in the anesthesiology department at Royal Inland Hospital, a hospital that combines professional diversity with the chance to make a meaningful impact in patients' lives. Discover your next chapter at Royal Inland Hospital. Welcome to "life in the Loops!"

Three years ago, if you searched online for “youth harm reduction” you wouldn’t have found much at all. This is no longer the case. Interior Health’s (IH) Youth Harm Reduction team has been around for just under three years. But in that time, their work has become highly regarded across B.C. and Canada.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, March 8, we interviewed three regional IH leaders in their fields to learn how they found passion in their roles, and how they are creating positive change for others.

Name: Carnation Nonhlanhla Zhuwaki (she/her/hers)Job Title: Knowledge FacilitatorYears of Service: 4Worksite: Vernon Health UnitCommunity: VernonAncestral Territory: syilx/OkanaganFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: My favourite quote is from my mother, "Approach life with a humble and teachable spirit, because life is a wheel: sometimes you're at the top, sometimes you’re at the bottom." Carnation Zhuwaki works for Interior Health (IH) as a knowledge coordinator based at the Vernon Health Unit. She started working at IH four years ago as an Emergency Department registered nurse and transitioned to her current role in 2021. Carnation believes everyone has a gift and a purpose—something they are good at. “Some people are aware of it, and some need a little encouragement to own their gift,” she says. “I enjoy identifying and encouraging others to explore their gifts.” She envisions a world where every person can show up as their authentic self, be seen and feel accepted.

If you're the parent of a preteen or teen, you might be wondering why the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is so important for your child's health.    HPV is a common virus that can be spread through skin-to-skin and sexual contact. Some types of HPV cause changes in the cervix, anus, throat and other areas that can lead to cancer. Many people who have an HPV infection don’t show symptoms, which means they might unknowingly pass it on to others.    Getting the HPV vaccine is one of the best ways to protect your child from certain cancers in the future; more than 70 per cent of people who haven't been vaccinated will get an HPV infection.  “Dad, I have cancer”: A father’s plea to protect youth from HPV (Island Health) Continue reading for more information about the HPV vaccine and why you should you make sure your child gets vaccinated.