International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a day to come together and remember those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. Held on August 31 every year, IOAD is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose. The theme for 2024 is “Together we can” highlighting the power of community when we all stand together. IOAD is also a day to recognize and remind us that addiction is a health condition. People use drugs for many reasons—reasons some of us may never understand.

In August 2023, with the McDougall Creek Wildfire at their doorstep, Interior Health employee Andrea, her husband and young son Ethan were ordered to evacuate their home. They were among the more than 10,000 people who had to quickly leave their Kelowna community. When they left in vehicles crammed with all they could pack, Orca and Nelson were also on board. Orca, a shepherd mix, and Nelson, their cat, have been beloved members of Andrea's family for 10 years. “In the chaos of leaving our home, we nearly forgot Nelson's litter box,” recalls Andrea. “It might seem insignificant during an evacuation, but there aren’t really any alternatives to a litter box for a house cat. “This experience taught me the importance of planning ahead for our pets as well as ourselves.”

If you or someone you know has taken the brave step to seek treatment for alcohol or drug use, the journey to recovery and health will be full of transitions. A transition might look like finishing detox, waiting for another service such as counselling, moving back home or into a new community, or starting a new job. Moving from a structured, safe environment like a treatment centre or hospital, to an unstructured one, can also leave someone feeling vulnerable. While periods between endings and beginnings can bring feelings of accomplishment and joy, they can also be challenging. This is the thinking that went into Interior Health’s Aftercare program.

A unique pilot project at Interior Health (IH) is helping students expand their views of health-care careers. Launched in October 2022 with Salmon Arm Secondary and Shuswap Lake General Hospital, the Enhanced Youth Program (EYP) introduces students to the diverse career opportunities available within a hospital.

Name: Laura-Lee RegnierPronouns: she/her/hersJob Title: Patient Care CoordinatorYears of Service: 26 yearsWorksite:  Kelowna General HospitalCommunity: KelownaAncestral Territory: Syilx/ OkanaganFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: "Be the rainbow in someone's cloudy day" Laura-Lee Regnier is a patient care coordinator who works extra hard to ensure that patients have a reason to smile at Interior Health (IH). Born and raised in Trail, Laura-Lee has always had a passion for helping others through their toughest days.

In 2018, a World Health Assembly resolution endorsed World Breastfeeding Week as an important health promotion strategy. Supported by World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and many Ministries of Health and civil society partners, World Breastfeeding Week is held in the first week of August every year.  This week celebrates breastfeeding parents in all their diversity, throughout their breastfeeding journeys, while focusing on ways families, societies, communities and health workers can help or encourage every breastfeeding parent. We must recognize breastfeeding parents, ensure they are seen and heard, and share relatable human experiences about breastfeeding and the importance of multi-level support. 

If you are evacuated due to a wildfire, you’ll be anxious to return home. Officials and the local fire authority will let you know when it’s safe to do so. Your home may be impacted by smoke, soot and ash, chemicals, structural damage and water damage.  For information on evacuation alerts and orders in B.C., or to find a reception centre, visit EmergencyInfoBC or call the provincial Emergency Services Support line at 1-800-585-9559. We encourage all residents to register with Emergency Support Services online particularly if you think you could be evacuated.  For detailed information on all the topics covered in this article view IH's Returning To Your Home After Wildfires

Foundations in the Interior region raise funds that support medical equipment, care needs, and innovative local initiatives in their communities. Each organization includes respected community leaders, volunteers and staff who are passionate about meeting the needs of patients and families in Interior Health. Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, we all have a stronger health system.  In this next story of our series on the incredible health-care and hospital foundations throughout our region, we interviewed Jerry Sanders, vice president and acting president of the Nicola Valley Health Care Endowment Foundation (NVHCEF).  

Name: Trevor SpeedPronouns: he/him/hisJob Title: Corporate Director, Facilities Management & OperationsYears of Service: 15Worksite: Community Health & Services CentreCommunity:  KelownaAncestral Territory: Syilx NationFavourite Quote / Advice to live by:  As cliche as it sounds, "everything happens for a reason," "be open to all opportunities within your leadership path" and "be comfortable being uncomfortable: look for opportunities outside of your comfort zone." Trevor Speed, corporate director, Facilities Management & Operations, grew up in a “health-care household”: both his parents worked in the field. Trevor is passionate about keeping a focus on the patients and clients that Interior Health (IH) serves. He’s been very lucky in his career path and has had the opportunity to be a team member of several different departments within IH.