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Michelle Gamage
BC’s free contraceptives program has been hugely successful
More people are using IUDs and hormonal implants now that cost isn’t an issue
BC’s drug response isn’t following the evidence: former chief coroner
“The only people, frankly, benefiting from the current model are organized crime and some of these private residential treatment centres who are charging exorbitant amounts to families who are desperate to help their loved ones become well, without any evidence that those are effective."
‘Very little value’: Judge frustrated by Health Canada at DULF trial
Health Canada’s witness in the Drug User Liberation Front’s judicial review trial frustrated the judge and highlighted how opaque and frustrating Canadian drug policy can be.
You can screen yourself for cervical cancer. BC’s approach is working
The illness is almost entirely preventable through vaccinating and early detection.
This medical device is a chronic pain game-changer
Spinal cord stimulators can significantly improve patients’ lives. BC doesn’t fund nearly enough of them, experts say.
How crowded emergency departments in BC impact patients and staff
Overfull hospitals are worsening delirium, causing bedsores and leading to patient care in hospital bays and bathrooms.
Why are BC’s emergency departments so crowded?
How past policy decisions and the unmet needs of an aging population are pushing the system to the brink.
BC’s hospital crowding problem isn’t improving, data shows
In the seven most overcapacity facilities, one in six patients was cared for in an unfunded ‘surge bed’ last year.
Why is it so hard to fix a wheelchair in BC?
iNwheels
Disabled people say companies are struggling to service their equipment, which can trap them in bed or at home.
How to speed up wheelchair repairs in BC
iNwheels
Systemic changes are needed from government and industry, experts say. In the meantime, users are turning to DIY.
The Supreme Court of Canada wants you to call 911 if someone is overdosing
Police can’t arrest a person for drug possession if they call for help and stick around, a new ruling finds.
Infants bear the brunt of RSV hospitalizations, UBC study finds
Researchers say the province should do more to protect the very small and vulnerable.
No COVID shot appointments available? Check again later
“Immunization remains the best protection against severe disease, complications and hospitalization."
BC’s ADHD diagnoses skyrocketed during and after the pandemic
This concerns substance use researchers because people with ADHD are more at risk from unregulated drugs.
BC scientists 3D printed lung tissue. Then made it smoke
Sometimes smoking is cool.
As the US quits the global HIV fight, Canada can step up with BC model
A renowned local researcher says scaling up British Columbia’s HIV strategy could help end the…
You’re probably not wearing enough sunscreen: BC Cancer
Despite campaigns encouraging people to slip into the shade, slap on a hat and slop on some sunscreen, skin cancer rates have been climbing for the past three decades.
How rural hospitals could cut BC’s surgery wait times
Performing minor surgeries in rural hospitals could help improve the provincial surgery backlog without cutting corners on the quality of health care, according to one rural health expert.
Kelowna’s tent city policies ‘make people want to give up’
iNhome
Members of Kelowna’s unhoused population and local housing advocates are warning that a new city…
Kelowna companies won’t run pro-choice billboards
The crowdfunded campaign aims to counter anti-abortion billboards in the region.
Does where you live affect how much sleep you need?
What country you live in determines how many hours of sleep you need per night…
BC has no workplace temperature limits. Advocates want change
Ingrid Mendez, executive director of the Migrant Workers Centre
This American snitch line reports Canadians providing gender-affirming care
The U.S. government is collecting data on health-care workers providing gender-affirming care in Canada. In…
Many mental health calls in BC don’t require cops, program shows
A mobile, community-led crisis response team based in six communities across British Columbia is showing…