When survivors of sexual assault arrive at Penticton Regional Hospital, they are cared for by a dedicated team of specially trained nurses and social workers.   Shelley and Marcy are part of the sexual assault response team in Penticton When a person is referred to the sexual assault team, they are first met by a social worker who explains their options for treatment and emotional support. A nurse examiner is then available to perform a medical exam if requested by the survivor. Throughout the exam, a social worker provides care and support, and after-care planning. “Our community needs to know we have a dedicated team to care for and support people who have experienced this type of trauma,” says Sara Evans, the interim director of clinical operations at the hospital. The team uses a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive practice approach to ensure survivors have the best possible care. They also ensure services are provided in a timely manner while allowing the person to choose the treatment options they are comfortable with. “We are passionately committed to providing this type of care and ensuring our communities in the South Okanagan have these much-needed services,” says Marcey Kindel, the team's nursing lead. All members of the team are well trained in how to support people throughout this process. “Survivors are often scared to come into the hospital after an assault, but many find it's an important step in their healing process.” ~ Shelley Fritsen, Team social worker   There is also a social worker with expertise in supporting children who are sexual abuse or assault survivors. The team works with partners in the community to help educate on the services available and how to access them. This includes talking to school counsellors, setting up education and information sessions for doctors and staff in rural communities, and delivering sexual assault information to all doctor's offices and schools. The sexual response assault team has been in place since 2005 and is committed to making a difference to survivors in the community.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Chioma Akinkugbe Job Title: Clinical Informatics Analyst Years of Service: 2 Worksite: Kelowna Community Health Centre Community: Kelowna Ancestral Territory: “Syilx” (Saay-ilks) / Okanagan Interior Salish Favourite Quote: "God is love."    Chioma's kind demeanour and bright smile radiate in the workplace. In all of her hard work, it's evident that her passion for technology and information management leads to effective hands-on clinical work that helps the lives of so many. Having a strong understanding and patient personality, Chioma's role as a Clinical Informatics Analyst is integral to the patient care team. Knowing each day that she is making a difference brings a sense of gratitude and pride over her.  "As a member of the Employee Voices Advisory Group (EVAG), I've been hugely impacted. I am learning and unlearning so much as a person and an African woman. There is a lot going on in the world and I strongly believe changes can happen from small diverse groups, such as the EVAG committee. I am really looking forward to seeing a more diverse and inclusive Interior Health." -Chioma Akinkugbe, member of the Employee Voices Advisory Group (EVAG) Her sense of adventure and love of travelling came at a young age, inspired by her father who is a professor that teaches in different countries. Granted the opportunity to live in Botswana for over a year, she was mesmerized by the beauty of the country and welcomed by lovely and kind people. Born in Ibadan, Chioma was primarily raised in Lagos, Nigeria. Chioma describes Lagos as a big city, similar to Vancouver/Toronto, and is not for the faint-hearted. Reminiscing on growing up in Lagos, she wouldn't change a thing. She explains that Nigerians are some of the nicest, happiest, and most adaptable people ever. When it comes to good food and celebrations, these are at the top of the list. Encouraged by her Dad to move to Canada for schooling, she relocated to Abbotsford in August of 2012. Working in Miramichi, N.B., for a year, she was called back to the beautiful British Columbia. Calling Kelowna home for over five years, it's safe for Chioma to say this is now her second home. When she isn't working, she spends her time working out, watching horror movies, reading, relaxing or planning her next adventure. Looking forward, Chioma is excited to raise her grandbabies and live a carefree life leading into retirement. Thank you, Chioma, for all that you do!   Chioma's nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going: “Sheena Brown-Bailey is an amazing co-worker and friend. She is the Administrative Assistant at Kelowna Community Health Centre. She is always very helpful!" - Chioma Akinkugbe Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook: Interior Health  |   Instagram: interiorhealthbc |   LinkedIn: Interior Health Authority

What is self-care? It is any activity we do deliberately to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. It’s not an indulgence. Below are suggestions of small ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine. Day 1: Unplug Turn off your TV, phone, computer, tablet, or any social media for that matter. Spend some time out of the virtual world, even for just five minutes. Studies show you’ll be able to communicate better and sleep better without seeing electronics before bed, both activities that will help shape overall well-being. Day 2: Declutter Decluttering can apply to all aspects of your well-being. Physically, you can clean up your workspaces, do some chores around the house, and we all know someone who just keeps a bunch of trash in their bag. You can also declutter your mind of negative thoughts or overthinking that can affect us at any point in our lives through meditation and mindfulness practice. Day 3: Nourish yourself Today, make an effort to take care of your physical being. Keep in mind staying hydrated throughout the day; maybe go to bed a bit earlier. Try going out for some exercise through a simple walk, or even just stretching at your desk once an hour to help nourish your body. Day 4: Create Create something with your own hands. You could make music, make drawings, writings, try out a new recipe; even making a sandcastle at the beach today would count. If you were feeling crafty, here’s a list of easy do-it-yourself projects to do at home. And afterward, step back and take pride in what you’ve made. Doesn’t matter if you think it’s good or not, you still made it and that makes it precious! Day 5: Listen Listening to those you trust and taking into account their feelings is important. However it’s also important to listen to yourself and your limits when you’re feeling overwhelmed or tired. Also listen to positive voices that encourage you to keep going! Day 6: Express Hopefully since you’ve been listening to yourself and others, you can now express a response. Express yourself and your emotions to friends, family, peer supports, teachers and therapists. Keeping your thoughts to yourself for a long period of time doesn’t help your problems and negative emotions disappear. Day 7: Explore Step out of your comfort zone and try something new today. It can be trying a new food, or even reaching out to a new friend. Creating variety every so often can break boring routines!

As a residential school survivor, Elder Virginia Gilbert knows about the power of healing. Standing beside Cariboo Memorial Hospital, the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) elder spoke about her time in residential school and the inter-generational trauma it caused her and her family. She delivered a prayer and a blessing in her traditional language, telling those gathered that now is the time for healing. It was one of many powerful moments in an emotion-filled ceremony that was recently held to bless the CMH Redevelopment Project at the Williams Lake hospital. “I’d like to say that I come from the residential school system and I’ve had a lot of healing circles that put me where I am today,” she said. “I learned your ways, the non-native ways. Now it’s time for the non-natives to come and learn our ways. We’ve got a lot of special things happening with healing and the power of our gatherings. You really need to see. I would like to thank the Great Spirit for this day.” The blessing ceremony was held by the WLFN in partnership with Interior Health. Elder Virginia, Elder Linda Narcisse, Kukpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars and cultural coordinator David Archie performed a traditional song and drum. They were joined by members of the WLFN, as well as representatives from the neighbouring Tsilhqot’in and Dãkelh Dené Nations, CMH staff and physicians, members of the CMH Redevelopment project team, Infrastructure BC and Graham Design Builders. Williams Lake First Nation Kukpi7 Willie Sellars (right) and Nation cultural coordinator David Archie at the blessing ceremony. “I can really feel it in my heart, being here today, just standing on these grounds and envisioning what it is going to look like post-project,” said Kukpi7 Willie. “I couldn’t be more proud to be here to welcome you to the territory and participate in this blessing with our elders.” Following the song, Lisa Zetes-Zanatta, Interior Health’s executive director of clinical operations for the Thompson Cariboo, spoke of the ongoing relationship with Nations in the Cariboo Chilcotin and how the Williams Lake hospital will be a welcoming place to people of all cultures. “This is a place of healing. My commitment is to make sure that we as a people, regardless of where we were born, have a place to heal where we are all considered equal, where we all have our culture, our background, and our rights respected,” she said. Those in attendance took part in a sage blessing, led by cultural coordinator David. “The sage comes from our land, and it's a great cleanser and healer for the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual parts of our being,” he said. “Together, we offer these prayers for the safety of the workers, for the safety of all the planners, for the safety of all the leaders, and that we move this forward in the best way. And when people come here to seek wellness, the prayers that we've offered today will give them the very first step of protection, safety and acceptance.” The CMH Redevelopment Project is in the design stage. CMH health care teams, Indigenous stakeholders and other groups are working together, providing feedback that will create a care environment that is person-centred and culturally safe. Construction on a new addition to CMH is expected to begin next year. Williams Lake First Nation members pose for a photo with representatives of Interior Health, Graham Design Builders and Infrastructure BC.

Parents and adult influencers play a big role in guiding kids towards healthy decisions about alcohol. But it isn't always easy knowing where to start. Arm yourself with some helpful and trusted resources developed by HealthyFamiliesBC. Talking to teensTalking to young adultsTalking to kids Talking to teens Some teens may try drinking alcohol before they are the legal drinking age of 19. As a parent, you are the number one influence on your child's choices in life, even when it comes to alcohol. Talking with them about your expectations can reduce the likelihood of harm. Read Alcohol Sense for Teens. Talking to young adults As your child becomes a young adult, you can still have conversations that encourage healthy behaviour when it comes to alcohol. Read Alcohol Sense for Young Adults. Talking to kids Talking openly with kids from an early age about alcohol helps them to understand what it is. It also helps you guide them towards healthy decisions later in life. Read Alcohol Sense for Kids.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Allison New Job Title: Community Integrated Care Coordinator Years of Service: 22 Worksite: Shuswap Home Health Services Community: Salmon Arm Ancestral Territory: Secwepemcúl’ecw (Secwépemc) Favourite Quote: "Stay true to yourself and the values you hold most dearly. Integrity matters, but just as importantly, so does love and connection to others. "  -Allison New Allison embarked on a career as a nurse with Interior Health over 22 years ago. With her role as the palliative care coordinator at the Shuswap Home Health Services, she continues to deliver quality care to all patients and families, the same way she would want her loved ones to be treated. A pivotal moment in her career sparked from attending the MOREob program, where teamwork and safety help transform maternity care within the team at Shuswap Lake General Hospital. Furthering her skillset, patient care was positively affected through her team's engagement. She has recently taken on the role of team lead at Shuswap Home Health services and hopes to continue the same work but now it will be for a broader community population. “Bedside nursing and leading nurses for me is all about helping patients and families achieve their goals and wishes while navigating our complex health care system. Nursing is diverse and we see people at very intimate and intense times in their lives. I have been lucky to assist patients needing maternity care, acute/intensive care, and community-based end-of-life care during my career and it has all been very rewarding work.”  Working in the diverse field of nursing, Allison has had the opportunity to work in an array of settings, from maternity care, acute/intensive care and community-based end-of-life care. This rewarding work has driven her to partake in the development of a dedicated palliative nursing team. Over the past 16 months, statistics show that their goal of complementing the community-based palliative care program in the Shuswap is a success. With referral rates and home-based death rates significantly increasing over 30 per cent, this reaffirmed the team of their ongoing hard work. Outside of her nursing career, Allison lives life to the fullest. Describing herself as an energetic introvert, she proudly acknowledges that she has no social media presence; her adventures in the outdoors show that she likes living in the moment. Some of the joys in her life include traveling and exploring B.C. with her husband, either via house boating on the Shuswap or in their camper van. Allison also has a green thumb, tending to her gardening on a small acreage in Tappen, and she's lucky to be able to take in the scenery of her vineyard and Shuswap lake from the patio of her guest cabin.  Another significant part of Allison's life is her Indigenous roots, which she recently began to explore. Thanks to her auntie, she is now a member of the Saik-uz native band located near Vanderhoof and hopes to celebrate and learn more about this part of her heritage in the near future.  Thank you Allison for all that you do! Allison's nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going: “Janice is a phenomenal nurse who works in a Long Term Care facility. Patients and their families always come first for Janice and her position can come under some intense pressures at times! Grace under fire is how I would describe Janice as well as fun-loving and eternally professional. She leads nurses who care for patients with complex dementia care needs, short-term rehab and stabilization needs, and those needing end-of-life care. She is adept at juggling many different needs and does it with a smile and a joke handy. She is a valued member of our Salmon Arm community of health care workers." - Allison New Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook: Interior Health  |   Instagram: interiorhealthbc |   LinkedIn: Interior Health Authority

Ever since he was a kid growing up in Vancouver, Shawn Kelly loved the outdoors, downhill mountain biking, working out, and acrylic painting. He also had a passion for cooking, and went on to become a professional chef, cooking at prestigious events like the Olympics, and on one memorable occasion, even for visiting royalty. On the outside, Shawn led a happy and full life. But on the inside, he was struggling with substance use.  Shawn Kelly He traces his struggles back to childhood. Shawn was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder as a young kid. As he grew up, he witnessed many traumatizing situations and was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. His turned to drugs to cope. When Shawn first met his wife Stacey, she was having a hard time cooking for herself as a result of her Multiple Sclerosis. Shawn offered to shop and cook for her, and they soon became a couple. As Stacey’s illness progressed, the stress of her deteriorating condition took its toll and he used drugs to cope. Shawn eventually found help through an Outreach Centre (now part of the Penticton Urgent and Primary Care Centre) where he found services that helped him learn better ways of coping. In 2015, Stacey passed away. She was at only 37 at the time of her death. The pain of her loss caused Shawn's most recent relapse. But with thoughts about his beautiful wife in his mind, he reached out for help. When he walked back into the Urgent and Primary Care Centre in Penticton, he found an angel in his support worker Lisa Birch.  Shawn's artwork Lisa helped Shawn find a doctor who did a medical check on him, connected him with a psychiatrist, helped him find a place to live through BC Housing, and helped him to access disability insurance. “Lisa is straight to the point and tells it like it is. That’s what I needed, and it built trust between us,” Shawn says. “You can help someone with their addictions but until they choose to do it for themselves it won’t work.” Having overcome struggles with substance use, he's now helping his community by sharing what he knows. “The majority of my life I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror, but now I can. It's hard work, but it’s worth it. If I can use the light that shines within me to help and guide someone else then that’s what I am going to do.” ~ Shawn Kelly Now Shawn is substance-free, lives in his own apartment, has a steady job and continues with an active lifestyle. He wants to tell his story to help people who are going through similar situations. He hopes that through him, they can see what is possible to achieve. The Penticton UPCC opened in March at 417 Martin Street in Penticton. It provides team-based care for people with mental health and substance use needs and is also open to the public who need health-care within 12 to 24 hours but don’t require the emergency department. For more information or to connect with a health-care professional, call 250-770-3696.  

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Marlis Gauvin Job Title: Director, Medical Program Transformation Years of Service: 14 total (5+9 with a gap in between) Worksite: Community Health & Services Centre Community: Kelowna Ancestral Territory: “Syilx” (Saay-ilks) / Okanagan Interior Salish Favourite Quote: "In a world where you can be anything… be kind."  -Unknown “I’m proud of the impact I’ve had in coaching and mentoring peers and colleagues during my career, and then celebrating their successes with them. My true joy in work comes from building strong relationships and helping others discover their own potential.” While there have been quite a few moments of personal success over the years for Marlis Gauvin, she’s most fulfilled when she sees a complex project through to completion or helps launch an innovative program. Participating in Interior Health’s Core LINX leadership program and completing a certificate in project management through Okanagan College also helped Marlis develop her skills as a leader. As Director, Medical Program Transformation, Marlis has enjoyed leading some complex and fascinating projects. She is primarily focused on working directly with our medical and operational leaders to help find sustainable service models and medical staff compensation solutions to support those models of care. Her team of project leads is currently engaged in redesign projects for Infectious Diseases and Oncology Services, as well as supporting emergency response to wildfires. In previous roles, Marlis also led our Laundry Transition project, and co-developed and launched our NAVIG8 Physician Leadership Development program. “I appreciate working for an organization that has supported me in my journey to take on increasingly challenging and rewarding roles throughout my career. I am fortunate to have worked alongside and learned from so many truly talented and exceptional mentors, leaders and teams.” Marlis is driven by a desire to make a difference. The individuals she works with and their focus on finding the best possible solutions to complex situations inspire Marlis. For her, it’s rewarding to work closely with our physician partners and leaders, and know that her team's work helps support the delivery of exceptional care. She also enjoys opportunities to volunteer as a parent in her community and, most recently, through the Patient Voices Network after the unexpected loss of a family member. Something others may not know about Marlis is that she’s a host parent for international high school students. Marlis has made lasting connections with families from a variety of countries. (“I’m still working on my Spanish and Japanese.”) Marlis was born in Saskatchewan but relocated to Kelowna at the tender age of one, growing up in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. This worked out well for someone who loves the outdoors – Marlis is fortunate to live where she can mountain bike, hike, camp and kayak all within a few minutes of home. In fact, Marlis is also a bit of an adventure enthusiast. She loves to whitewater raft, scuba dive, and snorkel with the occasional sea turtle or dolphin. Marlis also describes herself as “a lifelong learner, a voracious reader, and probably a bit of a nerd. I enjoy live theatre and music, and have the lyrics to way too many songs taking up real estate in my head.” A single mom with three incredible kids – “by far my greatest accomplishment in life” – Marlis is working towards earning her Masters of Business Administration degree virtually through Cape Breton University. With life starting to move forward after the pandemic, Marlis can’t wait to be able to have big family gatherings to celebrate birthdays and holidays again, and to finally celebrate her daughter’s wedding with their extended family. She’s also excited about the idea of being able to travel again. “This pandemic has certainly taught me to appreciate the value of gathering with family and friends when we can.” Marlis' nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going: “I would recommend Peggy Scott, Project Lead, Medical Transformation, or Linda Reynolds, Director, Physician Compensation, who have both been with IH for many years and have vast experience in what they do." - Marlis Gauvin Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook: @IHJobs  |   Instagram: @InteriorHealthBC.Careers  |   LinkedIn: @InteriorHealthAuthority

The return of summer means BBQs, extra daylight, and trips to the beach! But hot weather can also be a risk to your health. Extreme heat can cause health problems such as dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke, as well as worsen existing health conditions. In fact, heat is the leading cause of weather-related death. Read these 8 tips to safely enjoy the warm weather. 1 - Pay attention to local heat and weather alerts to know when extra heat caution is needed.2 - Make sure you and your family drink plenty of liquids, preferably water. You should 2-4 cups of water every hour when spending time outdoors.3 - Learn the signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and so you can respond quickly to emergencies.4 - Be aware that young children, older adults, people who are homeless, those who don’t have air conditioning, and outdoor workers, and people with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable to heat.5 - Find air conditioned spaces on hot days. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, spend time at the local library, shopping malls, or community centre. 6 - Seek shade. Take advantage of trees, umbrellas, hats and loose clothing to keep the sun off your skin.7 - Avoid outdoor and strenuous activities between 11 am and 4 pm, when it's usually hottest.8 - Cool down by taking a dip in a lake, using a sprinkler, or having a cold shower. Want to learn more? Learn the signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.