“We’ve got your back”: the inspiring impact of Victoria’s Early Psychosis Intervention Program
Cameron Webster is living proof that life sometimes has a way of coming full circle. In 2014, Webster became a client of Island Health’s Early Psychosis Intervention Program in Victoria after being diagnosed with psychosis; a year later he was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, which features symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders.
GoHealth BC nurses support North Vancouver Island staff and sites
Originally exclusive to Northern Health as a way to address staffing challenges in rural and remote sites, GoHealth BC is a collaborative effort between Northern Health, Interior Health, Island Health, the Ministry of Health, and the British Columbia Nurses Union to allow Northern Health nurses to expand their scope of professional practice and take on new experiences in places like NVI.
Island Health staff make a world of difference in their off time
Martin Poulin departed Royal Jubilee Hospital with a suitcase packed with pliers and portable ultrasound units, and returned with fond memories and the motivation to keep making a difference.
Living the simple life: virtual nursing while living off-grid
Through an innovative Island Health program called Community Virtual Care, Heather Jansen supports patients remotely from her home to wherever the patient resides.
Boring? Island Health’s first environmental scientist says the job is anything but
Since joining Island Health, Kobby has been collaborating on projects like a fuel spill, groundwater contamination and an industrial fire. Coming from consulting, working for private companies in gold mining and oil and gas, he’s excited to put his knowledge and experience to use for the public good.
Spotlight on International Youth Volunteer Day
In celebration of this year’s International Youth Day (August 12) we had a chance to interview an amazing Island Health youth volunteer who lives and volunteers in the Port Hardy region. Isadora, aged 15, started volunteering with the Step Up Youth (SUY) program in the fall of 2022 and has continued to dedicate her time to local Long-Term Care residents, showing a passion for her community and a strong desire to make a difference.
Give people the tools: Dr. Paivi Abernethy on climate change, health and empowerment
In December 2012, Dr. Paivi Abernethy had an epiphany. As part of her PhD research, she was conducting interviews with various specialists about the fallout from torrential rain in Mid-Wales during the past summer. As a result of the deluge, tailings from historic silver mines overflowed and ran downhill; the concentration of lead resulted in the death of cattle. There were also serious concerns among locals about toxicity in community gardens.
Coming together to ensure resilient water systems
As climate change impacts our world and our health, Island Health continues to put a local lens on a topic of global importance: the stewardship of our water systems.
If you can’t help yourself, you can’t help others: new Island Health program offers support to caregivers
Reaching out for help or support can be difficult, and it can be even more difficult for caregivers helping to support a friend or loved one.