News

Northern Health’s downtown Prince George Harm Reduction Clinic is implementing expanded hours of operation in response to continued high rates of toxic drug poisoning in the community and to improve the accessibility of services.

The HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (needle exchange) in Prince George has been piloting expanded hours for Overdose Prevention Services (OPS) for the past two weeks, ensuring staffing resources are in place for expanded operation of OPS and other services. Effective June 26, the new hours are formally in place on a long-term basis.

Starting Thursday, June 29, 2023, people can book an appointment to see a pharmacist through a new provincial online booking system, making it even easier and more convenient to access the health care they need.

On June 1, 2023, pharmacists’ scope of practice was expanded to allow them to prescribe for 21 minor ailments and contraceptives and as of June 27, 2023, more than 25,000 people have seen a pharmacist for an assessment.

There has been an increase in overdoses reported in Fort St. John linked to stimulant use causing deep sedation requiring hospitalization and lengthy monitoring.

This is a general overdose alert, substances circulating in the Northeast region are very toxic. Please take care and share this alert widely.

People in Dawson Creek and area are one step closer to better access to care as a preferred proponent has been selected and the contract signed, with construction starting in July for the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital.

In co-ordination with Northern Health and Infrastructure BC, Graham Design Builders LP has been named the preferred proponent on the project. Graham Design Builders LP will be responsible for completing the design and building the new hospital.

After an extensive international recruitment process, Northern Health’s Board of Directors has selected Ciro Panessa as the next President & CEO of Northern Health (NH). Ciro will be starting in the role on September 5, 2023.

Due to historic mine tailings contamination, Northern Health advises the public to avoid contact with sandy areas and sediment in wading areas along the shoreline of Jack of Club Tailings Beach and Visitor Centre Beach in the District of Wells. Please see the attached map for more detail about the affected advisory areas.

There has been an increase in overdoses in Dawson Creek linked to a blue colored drug sold as “down.” This drug causes sudden overdose and memory loss, this happens when the drug is smoked and injected.

Please take care, drugs move throughout the North, share this alert widely. We have included safety recommendations below.

People living with complex mental-health and addiction challenges in Prince George will be connected to health-care supports as the Province adds complex-care housing services in the region.