As a residential school survivor, Elder Virginia Gilbert knows about the power of healing. Standing beside Cariboo Memorial Hospital, the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) elder spoke about her time in residential school and the inter-generational trauma it caused her and her family. She delivered a prayer and a blessing in her traditional language, telling those gathered that now is the time for healing. It was one of many powerful moments in an emotion-filled ceremony that was recently held to bless the CMH Redevelopment Project at the Williams Lake hospital. “I’d like to say that I come from the residential school system and I’ve had a lot of healing circles that put me where I am today,” she said. “I learned your ways, the non-native ways. Now it’s time for the non-natives to come and learn our ways. We’ve got a lot of special things happening with healing and the power of our gatherings. You really need to see. I would like to thank the Great Spirit for this day.” The blessing ceremony was held by the WLFN in partnership with Interior Health. Elder Virginia, Elder Linda Narcisse, Kukpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars and cultural coordinator David Archie performed a traditional song and drum. They were joined by members of the WLFN, as well as representatives from the neighbouring Tsilhqot’in and Dãkelh Dené Nations, CMH staff and physicians, members of the CMH Redevelopment project team, Infrastructure BC and Graham Design Builders. Williams Lake First Nation Kukpi7 Willie Sellars (right) and Nation cultural coordinator David Archie at the blessing ceremony. “I can really feel it in my heart, being here today, just standing on these grounds and envisioning what it is going to look like post-project,” said Kukpi7 Willie. “I couldn’t be more proud to be here to welcome you to the territory and participate in this blessing with our elders.” Following the song, Lisa Zetes-Zanatta, Interior Health’s executive director of clinical operations for the Thompson Cariboo, spoke of the ongoing relationship with Nations in the Cariboo Chilcotin and how the Williams Lake hospital will be a welcoming place to people of all cultures. “This is a place of healing. My commitment is to make sure that we as a people, regardless of where we were born, have a place to heal where we are all considered equal, where we all have our culture, our background, and our rights respected,” she said. Those in attendance took part in a sage blessing, led by cultural coordinator David. “The sage comes from our land, and it's a great cleanser and healer for the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual parts of our being,” he said. “Together, we offer these prayers for the safety of the workers, for the safety of all the planners, for the safety of all the leaders, and that we move this forward in the best way. And when people come here to seek wellness, the prayers that we've offered today will give them the very first step of protection, safety and acceptance.” The CMH Redevelopment Project is in the design stage. CMH health care teams, Indigenous stakeholders and other groups are working together, providing feedback that will create a care environment that is person-centred and culturally safe. Construction on a new addition to CMH is expected to begin next year. Williams Lake First Nation members pose for a photo with representatives of Interior Health, Graham Design Builders and Infrastructure BC.

Parents and adult influencers play a big role in guiding kids towards healthy decisions about alcohol. But it isn't always easy knowing where to start. Arm yourself with some helpful and trusted resources developed by HealthyFamiliesBC. Talking to teensTalking to young adultsTalking to kids Talking to teens Some teens may try drinking alcohol before they are the legal drinking age of 19. As a parent, you are the number one influence on your child's choices in life, even when it comes to alcohol. Talking with them about your expectations can reduce the likelihood of harm. Read Alcohol Sense for Teens. Talking to young adults As your child becomes a young adult, you can still have conversations that encourage healthy behaviour when it comes to alcohol. Read Alcohol Sense for Young Adults. Talking to kids Talking openly with kids from an early age about alcohol helps them to understand what it is. It also helps you guide them towards healthy decisions later in life. Read Alcohol Sense for Kids.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Allison New Job Title: Community Integrated Care Coordinator Years of Service: 22 Worksite: Shuswap Home Health Services Community: Salmon Arm Ancestral Territory: Secwepemcúl’ecw (Secwépemc) Favourite Quote: "Stay true to yourself and the values you hold most dearly. Integrity matters, but just as importantly, so does love and connection to others. "  -Allison New Allison embarked on a career as a nurse with Interior Health over 22 years ago. With her role as the palliative care coordinator at the Shuswap Home Health Services, she continues to deliver quality care to all patients and families, the same way she would want her loved ones to be treated. A pivotal moment in her career sparked from attending the MOREob program, where teamwork and safety help transform maternity care within the team at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. Furthering her skillset, patient care was positively affected through her team's engagement. She has recently taken on the role of team lead at Shuswap Home Health services and hopes to continue the same work but now it will be for a broader community population. “Bedside nursing and leading nurses for me is all about helping patients and families achieve their goals and wishes while navigating our complex health care system. Nursing is diverse and we see people at very intimate and intense times in their lives. I have been lucky to assist patients needing maternity care, acute/intensive care, and community-based end-of-life care during my career and it has all been very rewarding work.”  Working in the diverse field of nursing, Allison has had the opportunity to work in an array of settings, from maternity care, acute/intensive care and community-based end-of-life care. This rewarding work has driven her to partake in the development of a dedicated palliative nursing team. Over the past 16 months, statistics show that their goal of complementing the community-based palliative care program in the Shuswap is a success. With referral rates and home-based death rates significantly increasing over 30 per cent, this reaffirmed the team of their ongoing hard work. Outside of her nursing career, Allison lives life to the fullest. Describing herself as an energetic introvert, she proudly acknowledges that she has no social media presence; her adventures in the outdoors show that she likes living in the moment. Some of the joys in her life include traveling and exploring B.C. with her husband, either via house boating on the Shuswap or in their camper van. Allison also has a green thumb, tending to her gardening on a small acreage in Tappen, and she's lucky to be able to take in the scenery of her vineyard and Shuswap lake from the patio of her guest cabin.  Another significant part of Allison's life is her Indigenous roots, which she recently began to explore. Thanks to her auntie, she is now a member of the Saik-uz native band located near Vanderhoof and hopes to celebrate and learn more about this part of her heritage in the near future.  Thank you Allison for all that you do! Allison's nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going: “Janice is a phenomenal nurse who works in a Long Term Care facility. Patients and their families always come first for Janice and her position can come under some intense pressures at times! Grace under fire is how I would describe Janice as well as fun-loving and eternally professional. She leads nurses who care for patients with complex dementia care needs, short-term rehab and stabilization needs, and those needing end-of-life care. She is adept at juggling many different needs and does it with a smile and a joke handy. She is a valued member of our Salmon Arm community of health care workers." - Allison New Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook: Interior Health  |   Instagram: interiorhealthbc |   LinkedIn: Interior Health Authority

Ever since he was a kid growing up in Vancouver, Shawn Kelly loved the outdoors, downhill mountain biking, working out, and acrylic painting. He also had a passion for cooking, and went on to become a professional chef, cooking at prestigious events like the Olympics, and on one memorable occasion, even for visiting royalty. On the outside, Shawn led a happy and full life. But on the inside, he was struggling with substance use.  Shawn Kelly He traces his struggles back to childhood. Shawn was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder as a young kid. As he grew up, he witnessed many traumatizing situations and was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. His turned to drugs to cope. When Shawn first met his wife Stacey, she was having a hard time cooking for herself as a result of her Multiple Sclerosis. Shawn offered to shop and cook for her, and they soon became a couple. As Stacey’s illness progressed, the stress of her deteriorating condition took its toll and he used drugs to cope. Shawn eventually found help through an Outreach Centre (now part of the Penticton Urgent and Primary Care Centre) where he found services that helped him learn better ways of coping. In 2015, Stacey passed away. She was at only 37 at the time of her death. The pain of her loss caused Shawn's most recent relapse. But with thoughts about his beautiful wife in his mind, he reached out for help. When he walked back into the Urgent and Primary Care Centre in Penticton, he found an angel in his support worker Lisa Birch.  Shawn's artwork Lisa helped Shawn find a doctor who did a medical check on him, connected him with a psychiatrist, helped him find a place to live through BC Housing, and helped him to access disability insurance. “Lisa is straight to the point and tells it like it is. That’s what I needed, and it built trust between us,” Shawn says. “You can help someone with their addictions but until they choose to do it for themselves it won’t work.” Having overcome struggles with substance use, he's now helping his community by sharing what he knows. “The majority of my life I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror, but now I can. It's hard work, but it’s worth it. If I can use the light that shines within me to help and guide someone else then that’s what I am going to do.” ~ Shawn Kelly Now Shawn is substance-free, lives in his own apartment, has a steady job and continues with an active lifestyle. He wants to tell his story to help people who are going through similar situations. He hopes that through him, they can see what is possible to achieve. The Penticton UPCC opened in March at 417 Martin Street in Penticton. It provides team-based care for people with mental health and substance use needs and is also open to the public who need health-care within 12 to 24 hours but don’t require the emergency department. For more information or to connect with a health-care professional, call 250-770-3696.  

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Marlis Gauvin Job Title: Director, Medical Program Transformation Years of Service: 14 total (5+9 with a gap in between) Worksite: Community Health & Services Centre Community: Kelowna Ancestral Territory: “Syilx” (Saay-ilks) / Okanagan Interior Salish Favourite Quote: "In a world where you can be anything… be kind."  -Unknown “I’m proud of the impact I’ve had in coaching and mentoring peers and colleagues during my career, and then celebrating their successes with them. My true joy in work comes from building strong relationships and helping others discover their own potential.” While there have been quite a few moments of personal success over the years for Marlis Gauvin, she’s most fulfilled when she sees a complex project through to completion or helps launch an innovative program. Participating in Interior Health’s Core LINX leadership program and completing a certificate in project management through Okanagan College also helped Marlis develop her skills as a leader. As Director, Medical Program Transformation, Marlis has enjoyed leading some complex and fascinating projects. She is primarily focused on working directly with our medical and operational leaders to help find sustainable service models and medical staff compensation solutions to support those models of care. Her team of project leads is currently engaged in redesign projects for Infectious Diseases and Oncology Services, as well as supporting emergency response to wildfires. In previous roles, Marlis also led our Laundry Transition project, and co-developed and launched our NAVIG8 Physician Leadership Development program. “I appreciate working for an organization that has supported me in my journey to take on increasingly challenging and rewarding roles throughout my career. I am fortunate to have worked alongside and learned from so many truly talented and exceptional mentors, leaders and teams.” Marlis is driven by a desire to make a difference. The individuals she works with and their focus on finding the best possible solutions to complex situations inspire Marlis. For her, it’s rewarding to work closely with our physician partners and leaders, and know that her team's work helps support the delivery of exceptional care. She also enjoys opportunities to volunteer as a parent in her community and, most recently, through the Patient Voices Network after the unexpected loss of a family member. Something others may not know about Marlis is that she’s a host parent for international high school students. Marlis has made lasting connections with families from a variety of countries. (“I’m still working on my Spanish and Japanese.”) Marlis was born in Saskatchewan but relocated to Kelowna at the tender age of one, growing up in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. This worked out well for someone who loves the outdoors – Marlis is fortunate to live where she can mountain bike, hike, camp and kayak all within a few minutes of home. In fact, Marlis is also a bit of an adventure enthusiast. She loves to whitewater raft, scuba dive, and snorkel with the occasional sea turtle or dolphin. Marlis also describes herself as “a lifelong learner, a voracious reader, and probably a bit of a nerd. I enjoy live theatre and music, and have the lyrics to way too many songs taking up real estate in my head.” A single mom with three incredible kids – “by far my greatest accomplishment in life” – Marlis is working towards earning her Masters of Business Administration degree virtually through Cape Breton University. With life starting to move forward after the pandemic, Marlis can’t wait to be able to have big family gatherings to celebrate birthdays and holidays again, and to finally celebrate her daughter’s wedding with their extended family. She’s also excited about the idea of being able to travel again. “This pandemic has certainly taught me to appreciate the value of gathering with family and friends when we can.” Marlis' nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going: “I would recommend Peggy Scott, Project Lead, Medical Transformation, or Linda Reynolds, Director, Physician Compensation, who have both been with IH for many years and have vast experience in what they do." - Marlis Gauvin Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook: @IHJobs  |   Instagram: @InteriorHealthBC.Careers  |   LinkedIn: @InteriorHealthAuthority

The return of summer means BBQs, extra daylight, and trips to the beach! But hot weather can also be a risk to your health. Extreme heat can cause health problems such as dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke, as well as worsen existing health conditions. In fact, heat is the leading cause of weather-related death. Read these 8 tips to safely enjoy the warm weather. 1 - Pay attention to local heat and weather alerts to know when extra heat caution is needed.2 - Make sure you and your family drink plenty of liquids, preferably water. You should 2-4 cups of water every hour when spending time outdoors.3 - Learn the signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and so you can respond quickly to emergencies.4 - Be aware that young children, older adults, people who are homeless, those who don’t have air conditioning, and outdoor workers, and people with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable to heat.5 - Find air conditioned spaces on hot days. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, spend time at the local library, shopping malls, or community centre. 6 - Seek shade. Take advantage of trees, umbrellas, hats and loose clothing to keep the sun off your skin.7 - Avoid outdoor and strenuous activities between 11 am and 4 pm, when it's usually hottest.8 - Cool down by taking a dip in a lake, using a sprinkler, or having a cold shower. Want to learn more? Learn the signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Sarah LaFleur (prev. Donnelly) Job Title: Coordinator, Clinical Student Placement Years of Service: 2.5 Worksite: Community Health & Services Centre Community: Kelowna Ancestral Territory: “Syilx” (Saay-ilks) / Okanagan Interior Salish Favourite Quote: "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest accomplishment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."  -Leo Bscaglia Since receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) in 2004, Sarah LaFleur knew she wanted to support and work with nursing students. So, Sarah's work today is a perfect blend of her aspirations and work experience. Born and raised in Alberta, Sarah's background includes teaching post-secondary BSN students, bed-side nursing in acute care and managing long-term care in remote northern Alberta. It's the expertise of coordinators like Sarah that advances health-care education in B.C. The Coordinator, Clinical Student Placement, is responsible to liaise, strategize, support, facilitate and coordinate all placements for post-secondary students that require practicums to receive their credentials. In 2020, IH played host to 5,103 students. In fact, of all the health authorities in B.C., IH places the second-highest number of students each year. An independent and resourceful individual who enjoys a challenge, there's nothing that makes Sarah feel prouder than when she's able to negotiate a declined clinical student placement in to an acceptance. Never one to stay at rest, Sarah is looking forward to finishing her Master's in Nursing degree. Additionally, in her free time, you can find her quilting and crocheting in the beautiful city of Kelowna. Sarah's nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going: “I recommend Aneta D'Angelo, Director, Clinical Education, because she does tremendous work in her portfolio of clinical education, including Clinical Student Placements, Employed Student Nurse (ESN)/New Grad (NG), and Specialty Education. I believe raising awareness for the Professional Practice Office is important and the work we do is valuable." - Sarah LaFleur Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook: @IHJobs  |   Instagram: @InteriorHealthBC.Careers  |   LinkedIn: @InteriorHealthAuthority

On June 21, we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. In June, we also celebrate National Indigenous History Month to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This year, National Indigenous History Month is dedicated to the missing children, the families left behind and the survivors of residential schools. This week's Interior Voices podcast begins with reflection on the confirmation of the 215 children found at the site of the former residential school in Kamloops. The team shares resources to support those who are grieving, educational resources for those who want to learn more, and links to celebrations and virtual activities planned for this month.   "While we are coming together to talk about National Indigenous Peoples Day, we also need to acknowledge what is going on in our communities right now." -Vanessa Mitchell, Practice Lead for Aboriginal Health and Program Manager for Aboriginal Cultural Safety and Humility "When we're asking, 'What can we do--where do we start?', if you haven't already read some of those integral documents, I encourage you to read some of those and refer to the calls to action," says Vanessa. "Because while we may not be able to move an entire mountain, there are pieces we can do within our sphere of influence." Learn more about National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day on Season 3 Episode 4 of the Interior Voices podcast. Resources Mentioned in this Episode Resources for Support: KUU-US Crisis Line Society – 24 hr Crisis Line: 1-800- KUU-US-17 (1-800-588-8717) Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society (IRSS) Crisis Line – 1-866-925-4419 Métis BC Crisis Line – 1-833-638-47 Kid’s Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 Educational Resources: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls To Action First Voices Learn Michif Celebrating the Day and the Month: First Nations Health Authority News and Events and Facebook page Métis Nation BC Facebook page and Website National Indigenous Peoples Day National Indigenous History Month CFNR (Canada’s First Nations Radio) Celebrations APTN Indigenous Day Live Sources for Orange Shirts: Métis Nation BC Orange Shirt Society  

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Lisa Zetes-Zanatta Job Title: Executive Director Clinical Operations, Rural Acute and Community, Thompson and Cariboo Regions Years of Service: 18 Worksite: Thompson Cariboo Shuswap Corporate Office Community: Kamloops Ancestral Territory: Secwepemc (She-whep -m) / Shuswap Interior Salish Favourite Quote: "You can either focus on the lemons or enjoy the lemonade." Lisa comes from a diverse background, having been raised in New York then living for three years in rural Nicaragua as an epidemiologist. It was in Nicaragua that she fell in love with the rural context of health care (and learned to speak fluent Spanish). Now, after 20 years, she has found her way back to delivering meaningful health care in diverse, rural communities and supporting the people who live there.  Lisa describes herself as focused, quality driven and ethical. For those who know her, this description is perfect. Lisa is dedicated to delivering person-centred, quality care, which shines through in her every day.  "I love the fact that I can influence the care delivery model and quality focus for a large region. I am lucky that I am able to work in the region that has four different First Nations represented, with 38 different communities in this beautiful, Thompson-Cariboo region. I have come to love the can-do and 'git-er-dun' attitude of the people we serve and staff teams in rural areas." In the last several years, Interior Health has experienced an increase in floods and wildfires, and now a global pandemic - increasing the need for health care.  "The team has stepped up at all levels of the health authority to put our patients first and provide the best care possible in some of the most challenging times I have seen in a long career of health-care delivery. I am extremely proud." While Lisa is grateful for the technology that has provided communication support throughout the pandemic, she is looking forward to seeing her team and colleagues in person. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys knitting, sewing, crafting, decorating and playing with her amazing, black lab, "not-so-puppy" puppy.  Lisa is wife to her amazing husband Robin, a technical director of an animation company, and mom to two wonderful boys. Tristan (20) is attending Thompson Rivers University in the cellular molecular microbiology program. Dylan (14) is in grade 9, a hockey goalie, and is on the ice daily. As a family, they love heading up to their cabin in the Cariboo to have fun in the forest, on the dock, and in the lake. Thank you, Lisa, for your outstanding leadership and all that you do to support rural communities and people in the Thompson Cariboo region. Lisa's nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going: “I would like to nominate Karen Cooper, director of clinical operations for allied health, community & seniors care in the Thompson region. I have never met someone who gives more in her day to her work. She knows more about Interior Health operations than anyone in this region, as she has worked in so many facets of health care. – Lisa Zetes-Zanatta   Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook: @IHJobs  |   Instagram: @InteriorHealthBC.Careers  |   LinkedIn: @InteriorHealthAuthority