News

The Province and public-health officials are taking actions to continue protecting people, communities and the health-care system this fall and are encouraging people in BC aged six months and older to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.

To help more people with addiction challenges in Northern BC connect with the care they need to live healthier lives, the Province is adding 17 new beds dedicated to recovery and support.

“Our government believes in the strength of community support,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “To cut down on the distance that many in Northern BC have had to go for help, we're introducing new supportive recovery beds to bring that crucial support to communities across the North.”

There has been an increase in overdoses in Fort St. John linked to a red/orange 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.

There has been an increase in overdoses in Dawson Creek linked to a bright orange/red powder, a blue substance sold as crystal meth, and possibly other coloured substances causing sudden overdose, requiring hospitalization and lengthy monitoring.

People in a mental-health or substance-use crisis will have the support of experts as new mobile, integrated-response teams are coming to nine communities throughout the province, including Prince Rupert.

The Province is expanding Mobile Integrated Crisis Response (MICR) Teams (also known as Car programs) to help people in crisis and to free up police resources to focus on crime.

Northern Health is working to ensure ongoing access to life-saving overdose prevention (OPS) and harm reduction services in Dawson Creek, by establishing a temporary overdose prevention site on the grounds of Dawson Creek & District Hospital.

Summer brings many things, including enjoying our time on the many lakes in northern BC. For those living on lakes year-round, part time, or just visiting, it’s important to stay healthy while enjoying the experience.

With the warming weather, blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms may appear in lakes across northern BC. Blue-green algae are naturally occurring and can look like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of water. Blue-green algae can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, or pinkish-red, and often smells musty or grassy.