It's National Immunization Awareness Week! Vaccination is a cornerstone of public health, and boosting vaccine confidence is crucial to prevent the re-emergence of vaccine-preventable disease. Together, we'll keep diseases like measles and polio as things of the past! #NIAW2024

#EarthDay is a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the planet. Our GreenCare network unites efforts within B.C. to transform the health-care system toward environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient care. Discover their impact at bcgreencare.ca.

***Drug Alert - VANCOUVER - April 22, 2024***

White pressed pill with imprint “TEC” sold as Percocet (acetaminophen and oxycodone) in Vancouver tested positive for fentanyl and negative for acetaminophen and oxycodone.

For more info: ow.ly/6Kym50QtHKm

*** Drug Alert - Terrace - April 19, 2024 ***

Northern Health is issuing an overdose advisory for the community of Terrace due to an increase in drug poisoning/overdose events.

For more info:

ow.ly/xnUT50RkjMw

ow.ly/r1c350RkjMv

Always check for ticks after hiking, camping or spending time outdoors in B.C. Ticks are more active in spring and summer. If you find a tick, remove it immediately. Learn how to safely remove ticks and have them identified: ow.ly/EOL150R4sv2

*** Drug Alert - Prince George - April 19, 2024 ***

Northern Health is issuing an overdose advisory for the community of Prince George due to an increase in drug poisoning/overdose events.

For more info: ow.ly/6Kym50QtHKm

***Drug Alert - Vernon - April 18, 2024***

Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ADVISORY for Vernon after an increase in occurrences of xylazine found in DOWN.

For more info: ow.ly/6Kym50QtHKm

***Drug Alert - West Kootenays - April 18, 2024***

Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ADVISORY for West Kootenays after multiple samples of down were found to have high concentrations of fluorofentanyl and bromazolam.

For more info: ow.ly/6Kym50QtHKm

***Drug Alert - VANCOUVER DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE - April 17, 2024***

White crystals sold as down in the DTES of Vancouver tested positive for 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and negative for fentanyl and other opioids.

For more info: ow.ly/6Kym50QtHKm

***Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory - Mt. Waddington - April 17, 2024***

Overdoses are increasing in Mt. Waddington. Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.

For more info: ow.ly/6Kym50QtHKm

We’re antibiotic wise. We use antibiotics correctly, so they’ll keep working in the future. Are you antibiotic wise? Take the quiz and test your knowledge at antibioticwise.ca/quiz

#AntibioticStewardship #Antibiotics #HealthInfo #PublicHealth

If you are using substances, stay safe by not using alone. You can download the Connect by Lifeguard app, which connects to emergency responders if you become unresponsive while using. Learn more: ow.ly/UejL50PNYjL

***Drug Alert - VANCOUVER - April 15, 2024***

VCH has issued a drug alert.

Orange and blue powders sold as down in Vancouver tested positive for fentanyl and bromazolam, a benzo analog. Substances caused overdose.

For more info: ow.ly/6Kym50QtHKm

COVID-19 vaccines are free and available for everyone 6 months and older in BC. Getting a spring vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severe disease. Get the spring 2024 vaccine before the end of June. Learn more: ow.ly/5ebH50Rfb0x

New data has been added to the Unregulated Drug Poisoning Emergency dashboard to provide information on the use of prescribed alternatives. Learn more: ow.ly/5M7s50RffEU

Respiratory virus activity in BC continues to decrease. Check out the latest report: ow.ly/Qfzu50RfaRu

People can get an additional #COVID19 immunization now. A spring dose is recommended for people who are at higher risk. Learn more ow.ly/Pfsh50RfaSX

The #PublicHealthParadox of #WildfireSmoke . Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases and fine particulate matter, all of which can affect #health . Read the article: bcmj.org/bc-centre-dise… BC Centre for Disease Control

April 10 marks Indigenous Nurses Day in BC – read what six Indigenous nurses from across the province had to say about why they got into nursing and how they use culture in their practice: fnha.ca/about/news-and…

UBC researchers are partnering with Malahat Nation and BCSGA to enhance public health monitoring of BC’s marine waters – protecting shellfish harvesting areas & beaches from long closures. Explore the public health implications of this project funded through GenomeBC.

Did you know that counterfeit hydromorphone pills were recently detected in B.C.? They look identical to prescription drugs and can contain unknown amounts of synthetic opioids that may cause harm. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones: ow.ly/ftR250RaI0Y