Grizzly Bear vs. Pocket Knife: Quadra Cyclist's Unbelievable Fight for Survival, and His Plea for Blood
Dowler is urging people to donate blood, which saved his life after the attack
Staying Well
130 stories
Hee-Haw Healing: Donkey Therapy On Denman Island
Dog, horse, goat, yoga therapy? It's been done. Introducing, donkeys!
Tiny Homes, Big Difference
The support haven will hopefully pave the way for lasting recovery
We've Lost Half Our Maternity Doctors in the Last Two Years
AThe number of maternity practitioners have shrunk from 48 to 25
Positive Changes in North Island Healthcare, but Challenges Remain, Says Dr. Armogam
Communities' fight for care is finally gaining traction
Full Steam Ahead or Dead in the Tracks? The Vancouver Island Rail Story
It's a grand scheme that aims to rejuvenate a whopping 290 km of railway line
Community Talks: Shooting Up Near Puntledge Elementary
Facebook posting generates discussion and solutions
British Columbia: Where Waiting for Healthcare is the New Provincial Sport
Islanders don't want a ticket to a US vacation… for cancer treatment.
Wheels To Heal
New Free Shuttle Service Getting North Island Patients To Healthcare
From Spandex to Superheroes: Tour de Rock Cyclists Conquer Cancer One Kilometer at a Time
Strap on your helmets and don your spandex, because the Tour de Rock is back, raising funds to cure childhood cancer, proving that superpowers come in the…
Healthcare System Has North Islanders Rallying for Change
Residents are fed up with the unreliable healthcare service
Meet Terry Lewis, the Man Behind Vancouver Island's Epic 800 Km Trail
Volunteers have been working on the trail for more than 15 years
Dedicated Doctor Honored by First Nation for Service to Remote Community
He might not be Island Health's favourite doctor, but his patients have his back
Boosting Nurse-to-Patient Ratios Is A Top Priority
For over-worked nurses, it can't happen soon enough
Cumberland's "Rainbow House" Will Help Get At-Risk Youths Off The Streets
The transitional home for homeless for at risk youth is the first of its kind in Canada
Why A Four-Day Workweek Is Gaining Traction in BC and Beyond
From Germany to New Zealand, companies are embracing a four-day workweek
Dramatic Changes To Healthcare in Port Hardy
Dr. Nataros vs Island Health takes an unexpected turn
The Grassroots Island Group That Got Us Free Birth Control
Turns out Kitchen table rants can change the world
Experts Say Campbell River Council Got it Wrong on Drugs
harsh bylaws aren't the answer to the hidden drug crisis. We need more detox and treatment services.
Doctor Faces Disciplinary Action After Sounding Alarm
Every day, it seems Northern Health gets further away from doing its job: fixing the healthcare crisis.
Ucluelet Grad Leads the Charge Toward Cancer Cure
Island boy has grown up to be one of the world's most renowned cancer researchers
New Funding Calms Some, But NorthIsle ER Doc Calls For Resignations
“It’s sort of like buying airplanes but not hiring pilots.”
Meet Advisors Tasked with Helping the Premier Solve Our Thorniest Problems: Penny Ballem
The former vaccine czar has a history of leaving jobs in a controversial fashion
Campbell River Council Goes Old-School, Evades New Provincial Drug Policy
City supports law and order approach despite numbers that show it isn't working.
Island Health, Ministry Dragging Feet on NorthIsle Healthcare Crisis
Hospitals closures, fuel calls for allowing physician assistants to practice in BC
North Island Health Care Crisis Continues to Freefall
North Island health care workers are burning out and quitting
Essential Medical Transport for Seniors Gets Axed
No funding for free van for seniors to get to distant doctors
Do You Know How to Improve Your Community's Health?
Government funding new approaches
Bringing Life Through Food in Hospice
Chef proves amazing food is possible in care facilities
Drug Poisoning Overdose Warning
Campbell Riverites can get their drugs tested
Local Man Gives Healthcare Workers A Shout Out!
“Showed me there’s still love in the world … and gave me hope.”
People Power Fuel's Long COVID Study
Citizen Science can answer difficult questions
What Happens When an Entire Health Region Becomes "Invisible" to Government?
Former Health Director fears that failing health care will make the North Island an unattractive place to live and work
Military Physician Assistants Could Help Close Healthcare Gaps
If our province would let them
Ucluelet Pharmacist Gets Some Community Love
When you care for others, they care for you too
It's Not Just Your Grocery Bills That Are Skyrocketing
From $350M to $1.45 Billion, Cowichan Valley Hospital costs skyrocket
North Islanders Say Enough is Enough
The NorthIsle's healthcare crisis is getting worse and worse
New International Doctor Plan is Way Overdue
We've had a whole lot of doctors available, we just weren't letting them work
Don't Get Sick on the NorthIsle
It'll take a lot longer to find care if these hospitals can't stay open
The Good, the Bad, and the Money
New doctors have said BC's fee-for-service model keeps them from becoming family docs
RBC Supports Mental Health in the Valley
Sweet, sweet corporate pocket change
Open or Closed? We Don't Know Anymore
We asked if this was the new normal, we didn't want to be right
Take a Walk With Your Doc
Finally—an appointment for everyone
Uneven Healthcare Success on NorthIsle
Who is getting new doctors?
Investing in Pathway to Nursing Students
Access to Practical Nursing (APN) pathway program to help train more nurses on VanIsle
Four Doctors Down, Three To Go?
Only three doctors left for all of Port Hardy.
Remembering Loss and Fighting for a Future
International Overdose Awareness Day highlights a tragic problem
Cumberland Paramedic Goes Above and Beyond
The doctor shortage is hitting a lot of people but seniors often get forgotten in the discussion
Lost Your Family Doc and Still Need That Specialist? Read This
Did you just join the million British Columbians with no doctor?
Are Toxic Drugs Getting Worse?
Island Health says drug poisonings have spiked
You Can Get Monkeypox on the Island, But Not the Vaccine
"Vulnerable populations" are in fact the entire population
ER Closure on Cormorant Island and Folks Are Not Having It
On a small island, this is not good news
What's Scaring Off Docs Who Want to Work Here?
Now, Port Alberni will be forced to continue with only one pediatrician
Heat Dome 2: Dome Harder?
Can the healthcare system keep up with the heatwave?
How Would You Take Care of Folks Suffering From the Toxic Drug Crisis?
Or tell government to listen to the professional advice they've already gotten
NorthIsle Hospital Closures Are Giving Patients Whiplash
Port Hardy joins the hospital closure party
One $150 Million Settlement Down, 39 More to Go
Drug companies need to take responsibility, but they're only part of the problem
What Do New BC Doctors Actually Want?
Hint: it's not a signing bonus
Port Alberni Emergency Room Could Have Closures for Months?
Healthcare workers are burnt out and quitting, or they're getting sick—it's a perfect storm
They Make You Giggle, But They Can Also Heal
Psilocybin has helped terminally ill people feel calm and connected at the end of their lives
No Nurses in NorthIsle: Here's What Island Health is Doing
Island Health says they're doing their best to hire NorthIsle nurses. So where are they?
When the Emergency Room Closes in Port McNeill, Call a Taxi
Need an ambulance when the emergency room is closed? Good luck
Is Island Health Ready to Face the Music in Port McNeill?
A little people power could go a long way
Turning Wounds Into Wisdom
“I was very emotional when I realized what it was for…it really moved my spirit to be recognized"
Nanaimo Hospital Under Fire for Mistreatment of Bone Cancer Patient
There's one Indigenous liaison nurse for all of Nanaimo General Hospital? One?
VanIsle MP's Drug Bill Rejected, People Will Die As A Result
Folks who use drugs need care, not jail
NorthIsle Hospital Closures Just Keep Coming
And it's not only emergency patients who are suffering
Ucluelet Doctor Working Side Gigs to Make Ends Meet?
VIHA saves Ucluelet clinic—for now
Oh No, A New Fatal Flu Detected On The Island
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency warns that the bird flu is spreading globally and cases have been confirmed on VanIsle
North Island College Launches its Mental Health and Well-being Strategy
Rise-and-grind culture is not sustainable
A Doctor Diagnoses BC’s Doctor Troubles
Are more doctors the only solution?
Why is a Pro-Labour Government Silencing Health Care Workers?
Nurses are speaking out about conditions that affect you
Port McNeill Emergency Room Forced to Close This Weekend
Medical staff and services on NorthIsle continue to struggle
Don't Break Your Arm in Port Alice
If you need an x-ray in Port Alice, you'll need to go somewhere else
Why Folks Are Freaking Out a Bit Right Now
It's not just you, it's everywhere
BC Government Sued Over Lack of Climate Action Reporting
Is the BC government catfishing the public on climate action?
Closing Clinic Part of Bigger Problem
Another symptom of a system in crisis
Premier Horgan's F-Bomb 🤯
Almost one million British Columbians don't have a doctor!
Health Care Coming Closer to Home?
Comox Strathcona hospital board considering rural, First Nations grants
Parksville Air Ambulances Now Have Blood on Board
Paramedics who serve VanIsle are now better equipped to respond to emergencies
Get Outside—Turns Out It's Good For You
And this drug is free
What We Love: Cathedral Grove's New Wheelchair Accessible Walkway
The new upgraded walkway will also help protect the sensitive environment
Closing the Barn Door After the Horse Has Bolted?
Teachers union has been calling for rapid tests for months and are glad the government is finally doing it
Get Yourself a Cleaner Fire
Grassroots is helping folks on NorthIsle get cleaner burning stoves
A New Ritual Begins on Valentine's Day
Finns are among the happiest people on earth, so perhaps we could learn something about their rituals about health and wellness
Need a Boost To Avoid the Winter Blues, Try a Finnish Sauna
Two Comox Valley entrepreneurs have launched sauna business on VanIsle
Another Take On Dr. Henry
She needs to use her powers to mandate better masks, testing, contact tracing and ventilation
Don't Go Get Omicron to "Get it Over With"
Doc says "You'd be crazy to try to get infected with this. It's like playing with dynamite."
So You Got Omicron—Should You Still Get a Booster?
What’s best for your immune system?
22 Things to Make Your Life a Little Better Without Really Trying
Small things can brighten your day
Healing from COVID at Home
COVID-19 is spreading like wildfire but thankfully most fully-vaccinated people are just experiencing flu like symptoms
School Pushed Back for Most Kids
The news comes as more kids in the US get hospitalized with COVID
It's Another COVID Christmas
VanIsle is breaking COVID records just in time for the holidays
Dix Warns Against Travel When the Bug is Already Raging on the Island
Can we have a fifth wave if the fourth one never ended?
The New Rescue Team in Town
The non-profit plans to fill a gap in remote rescue and emergency care
Happy Holidays, How About a New COVID Variant?
The first person in BC with the Omicron variant was identified this week
Anti-Vaxx Nurses Put On Notice
If they open a clinic, the BCCNM could pull their license
Sick Northerners Get Help on VanIsle, But the Beds Are Filling Up
COVID keeps rolling through the province, and unvaccinated people are getting hit hard
If You Work in Senior's Care, You Need to Get the Jab
Mandatory vaccines for long term and assisted living workers now in effect
Did You Know There was Human Shit in Brooklyn Creek? Comox Staff Did
Your gut isn't the only thing that's leaking
It's Finally Safe to Drink the Water Again
Now go chug some tap water
Bursting VanIsle Hospitals Squeeze in Sick Neighbours
Sick people from Northern BC are being transferred to VanIsle hospitals, which were already bursting with sick people from VanIsle
Want to Protect Your Baby Gravy? Lay Off the Ivermectin
Taking this drug may mean goodbye to your little guys!
Will Your Kids Be Safe From COVID-19 at School?
BC teachers ask for five things to be done in BC schools to keep kids healthy
Who is Funding the Pro-Virus Rallies?
Someone had to pay for the fancy posters and the sound system
How Come Our Governments Aren't Treating Opioid Deaths as a Major Crisis?
Island Health warns Comox Valley and Campbell River residents about a recent spike in drug overdose
Boil Before You Drink, or Wash, or Cook
Yep, there's still poop in the water
VIHA Buys Building for Permanent Port McNeill Medical Space—Guess Where It Is
Port McNeill rallied to keep their long-time doctor—and it worked
It's Got To Do With Snot – Why Vaccinated People Can Still Get COVID-19
If I'm double-jabbed, why can I still get sick?
Is Climate Change Bringing Dangerous New Bacteria to VanIsle?
And a Denman Island man is fighting for his life
Bad Timing for a Boil Water Advisory in Port McNeill
There's poop in the water
Delta is on the Island, But Dr. Henry Won't Give us the Data to Deal with It
Just when you thought it was safe to go maskless at Canadian Tire
Campbell River's Q̓ʷalayu House Supports Pregnant Moms and Families of Sick Kids
It's a "home away from home" for families who need to travel to get medical care
Shallow River Dive Leaves Young Courtenay Man Paralyzed
Family of victim thanks friends for saving his life
Algae Blooming on the Shores of Port Hardy
Heat can cause the tiny plants to grow like crazy
FireSmart Assessment Coming to Gold River
With all of the fires happening, it's good to get smart about fire protection
A Machine that Keeps Your Summer Cool and Your Winter Warm
And the government will even give you money to install one
Heat Records Smashed All Over the Island
Pretty much every store on the Island was sold out of air conditioners
No Housing for Old Men (or Old Women, or Disabled Folks…)
BC Housing has rejected a plan to build an old folks home, but they need a week to tell anyone why
His Ears Are Ringing, But He's Okay
Terry Mazzei got "blasted" by a lightning bolt and lived to tell the tale
WATCH: Hilarious Danish Ad Prods Us to Wear Helmets
Danish Road Safety Council Ad pokes fun at the logic some people use for not wearing a bicycle helmet
Seafood Splendor – Illness Spikes as Digging Rises
Inexperienced shellfish harvesters could be putting themselves at risk
VIHA Ignores Whistleblower Doctor, then Kicks Him Out of Port McNeill
VIHA won't hire Dr. Armogam, and his patients are pissed
Drug Dealers Are Killing Our Kids
Many drug dealers know they are selling potent, potentially lethal drugs. They're killing people, including kids
Free at Last? – What Will the First Vaccinated Summer Look Like?
COVID numbers are down and vaccine numbers are up. What does that mean for the summer?
Mother-Daughter Duo Tackles Anti-Asian Racism
Alarmed that elders in Asian communities were being abused, Campbell River mother-daughter duo create space for dialogue
Two Temporary Doctors, New Clinic Coming to Port McNeill
You can start booking appointments at the new clinic starting May 19
Quadra Gets the Jab
Anyone over 18 who wants the jab can get it
COVID-19 Numbers are Coming Down, but Vancouver Island Doctors and Nurses Still Need Our Help
Doctors and nurses are nearly exhausted after a whole year of the pandemic
The Loneliest Doctor on Vancouver Island
Dr. Armogam has been a doctor in Port McNeill for 15 years, but now he is the only one