Drowning can happen in less than 60 seconds. Small actions can help keep people safe: - Swim with a buddy - Keep children within arm’s reach - Wear a lifejacket when appropriate - Choose lifeguard supervised beaches & pools Learn the signs of drowning: https://ow.ly/pPtg50ZwFVW

The smallest acts of kindness can leave the biggest impact. 💙 Has someone made a difference in your care or the care of a loved one? Share a note of gratitude: islandhealth.ca/care-kudos

What you see isn’t always safe. Check beach advisories before you swim. 🏊 To stay safe: - Avoid swimming if the water looks murky - Don’t swallow beach water - Stay out of the water if you have cuts - Shower and wash hands after swimming Find current advisories: islandhealth.ca/beach-safety

Nursing job action has ended, and Island Health services are returning to regular operations. Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding. Latest updates: islandhealth.ca/service-alert

You may have been exposed to measles if you were at one of these locations on July 12: - Woodgrove Centre (12 p.m. & 2:30 p.m) Lululemon, Booster Juice & SportChek. - Beban Park Golf Course, indoor check in area (10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.) Risk to public is low. Learn more: https://ow.ly/E52250Zr4OR

Temperatures are high in East and Inland Vancouver Island. Watch for signs of heat-related illness and take steps to stay cool. Learn how to keep yourself and others safe at islandhealth.ca/heat-safety

Hot weather can be dangerous, and heat illness can happen faster than you think. Stay cool with these quick tips: - Drink water often - Spend time in a cool space - Use cool showers or damp cloths - Exercise in the cooler parts of the day Get tips: islandhealth.ca/heat-safety

Need care but not sure where to start? You have options, including: - Urgent care for non-emergencies - Pharmacists for common health concerns - 8-1-1 for health advice - Virtual care by phone or video - Drug and alcohol support Explore your care options: islandhealth.ca/same-day-care

Picketing has ended at Centre Island Surgical Centre & services are returning to normal tomorrow morning, July 15. Some appointments & procedures may still be affected. Please keep your appointment unless contacted. Latest updates: islandhealth.ca/service-alert

Picketing has ended at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital & services are returning to normal operational levels. Some appointments & services may still be affected as teams work through the impacts. Please keep your appointment unless contacted. Latest updates: islandhealth.ca/service-alert

Picketing has ended at Royal Jubilee Hospital & Island Health services are returning to normal operational levels. Some appointments & services may still be affected as teams work through the impacts. Please keep your appointment unless contacted. Latest updates: islandhealth.ca/service-alert

Picketing has ended at South Island Surgical Centre. Island Health services are returning to normal tomorrow morning, July 14. Some appointments & procedures may still be affected as teams work through the impacts. Please keep your appt unless contacted. See updates: islandhealth.ca/service-alert

Picketing has ended at Victoria General Hospital, & Island Health services are returning to normal operational levels. Some appointments & services may still be affected as teams work through the impacts. Please keep your appointment unless contacted. Latest updates: islandhealth.ca/service-alert

Picketing will be ending at Victoria General Hospital (VGH) tonight at 6:45 p.m., and Island Health services are returning. Emergency care is available. Do not delay seeking care. Latest updates: islandhealth.ca/service-alert

Picketing is expected to begin at Royal Jubilee Hospital on July 14 at 5:30 a.m. as part of ongoing nursing job action. Some services may impacted. Keep your appt unless contacted. Emergency care remains available. Details: islandhealth.ca/service-alert

Picketing is expected to begin at the Central Island Surgical Centre on Monday at 7 a.m. as part of ongoing nursing job action. If you have a scheduled procedure, please attend as planned unless a member of your care team contacts you directly. Updates: www.islandhealth.ca/service-alert

Picketing is expected to begin at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on July 13 at 5:30 a.m. as part of ongoing nursing job action, and some services may be delayed or rescheduled. Keep your appt unless contacted. Emergency care remains available. islandhealth.ca/service-alert

Picketing is expected at South Island Surgical Centre on Monday at 6 a.m. due to ongoing nursing job action. Please attend your procedure unless your care team contacts you. If your procedure is postponed, it will be rescheduled. www.islandhealth.ca/service-alert #IslandHealth #BCHealthCare

Picketing is expected to begin at Victoria General Hospital on July 12 at 5:30 a.m. as part of ongoing nursing job action. Some services may be delayed or rescheduled. Please keep your appointment unless contacted. Emergency care remains available. Service impacts: islandhealth.ca/service-alert

Some Island Health services may be temporarily impacted by ongoing nursing job action. Check for updates before visiting. Updates: islandhealth.ca/service-alert

PLEASE SHARE: A Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory has been issued for #Victoria Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF

Congratulations to Noah Grand and Isabella Jubb for receiving the 2026 Youth Harm Reduction Award. They brought naloxone training to their school and taught 20 peers how to respond, use naloxone, and give CPR. Learn more:https://ow.ly/GyeM50ZhK9l

You are not alone, and what happened is not your fault. After sexual assault or intimate partner violence, even basic needs can feel overwhelming. Comfort kits help provide clothing, toiletries and food support during a difficult time. Find support: islandhealth.ca/sexual-violence

A new cancer centre is taking shape in Nanaimo. On June 9, crews poured concrete for the radiation treatment vaults — an important milestone toward bringing cancer care closer to home for people and families across central and north Vancouver Island. Learn more: islandhealth.ca/new-cancer-centre

More space for care is coming to Port McNeill. A new public health building arrived in late May and is now being built beside the health centre. This will help local health teams better support people in the community. Find a clinic near you: islandhealth.ca/same-day-care

Sun protection is not just for beach days. ☀️ UV rays can affect your skin even when it is cloudy or you are only outside for a short time. Learn how to better protect your skin and health this summer: islandhealth.ca/sun-safety

Kindness, care, and compassion show up in the moments that matter most. A heartfelt thank you to Patricia for sharing her appreciation for the team at James Bay Urgent & Primary Care Centre 💙 Have you experienced care that made a difference? Share a note of gratitude: islandhealth.ca/care-kudos

PLEASE SHARE: A Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory has been issued for #MountWaddington area. Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF

For babies born early or too sick to breastfeed, donor milk can provide important nutrition when they need it most. Donor milk is safely collected and shared with hospitals across B.C. If you have extra breast milk, you can help. Learn More: ow.ly/ySUa50Z5L4O

PLEASE SHARE: A Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory has been issued for Nanaimo. Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF