"#Vancouver Coastal Health’s Safer Alternative for Emergency Response (SAFER) Initiative & Kilala Lelum, and 3 projects in the #VancouverIsland Health Authority (AVI SAFER in #Victoria, #Nanaimo, and the #NorthIsland) “remain operational. ”" #safersupply

"In #BC, #guidedogs. assist people living with visual impairments. #servicedogs provide hearing & mobility assistance. open & close doors, retrieve & carry items, & provide support to people living with #autism, operational #stressinjuries, or [#PTSD]"

"When asked about causes [of #homelessness] , 45% blame a lack of #affordablehousing while 44% point to #addiction & #mentalhealth issues. Canadians tended to place less blame on other factors such as poverty. economy. personal choices. and trauma. "

"A prosperous country is contingent on the #health of its citizens. A resilient, equitable, and effective #healthsystem is a cornerstone of a cohesive society and productive economy. #Canada's health system is underperforming by international standards"

"#Victoria councillors want to check in with neighbouring municipalities on their plans to provide #shelter for #unhoused people during #extremeweather. voicing frustration over the amount of shelter beds the city provides compared to primarily #Saanich."

"The head of the #BritishColumbia RCMP major crime section says #humantrafficking is "grossly under-reported" but he expects to see more cases after the establishment of a specialized #policing unit to combat trafficking of vulnerable #victims" #BC #Canada

"The fourth annual SoberFest will take place at the Starlight Stadium this Saturday, August 2nd from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., and will feature live music, an abundance of vendors and delicious food options" #Victoria #Langford #VancouverIsland #BC #Canada

"A new federally funded report shows the #homeless population in Metro #Vancouver has risen nine per cent over the last two years, with the largest increase in those living outdoors without protection from the elements." @_HSABC #BC #unsheltered #Canada

"PACE Society, a non-profit that supports sex workers in #Vancouver's #DowntownEastside, is closing after 31 years . because of “operational challenges, funding gaps, and debts,” as well as its charitable funding status being revoked" #BC #BritishColumbia

"The union stated there have been violent youth patients, dealing with #mentalhealth and #substanceuse issues, admitted to the pediatric unit over the years and that has created a potentially unsafe situation for medical staff and patients. " #Vernon #BC

"A Unitarian Church in #Kelowna received a bylaw warning. because #unhoused people were #camping overnight in the church lot. volunteers who kindly move people along from the site are burning out, and the church faces up to $500 a day in fines. " #BC

"#Nanaimo Coun. Paul Manly offered an apology to MLA Sheila Malcolmson after a frustrating city council debate last week prompted him to suggest busing people experiencing #homelessness & #addictions outside her home" #VancouverIsland #BC #BritishColumbia

"A seniors housing facility in #Sidney could be the location for the town’s extreme cold weather #shelter . providing a haven for individuals experiencing #homelessness." #VancouverIsland #BC #BritishColumbia

"Council voted unanimously. to have Mayor Leonard Krog write to Housing Minister Christine Boyle to reiterate #Nanaimo's “strong desire to see B.C. Housing contemplate #soberhousing for those who qualify for #supportivehousing and who are in #recovery.”"

"Improvements to [#Nanaimo's] Westwood Lake Park are making the area more #accessible for all. Improved #accessibility was a big focus during the upgrades, with wheelchair user Haley Young thrilled to be able to enjoy her local beach with ease."

“A service provider is coming out, engaging with this drug trafficker while this drug trafficker is making transactions. It’s unprofessional. I’m extremely disappointed to see that,” said #Victoria Police Chief Del Manak | #VancouverIsland #BC

RT @988Canada: If you are having thoughts of suicide or are worried about someone you know, 9-8-8 is here to help. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-….

"The annual Spune’luxtth’ March for the Children will take place on Monday, Aug. 4 [in #Chemainus]. Participants will gather near the Salish Sea Market and Chemainus ferry terminal at 8:30 a.m. before marching to Waterwheel Park" #VancouverIsland #BC

"From July 19 to 26, the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary hosted Camp Courage in T'Sou-ke Nation at Pearson College. The goal was to inspire #Indigenous #youth to pursue careers in #emergencyservices" #VancouverIsland #BC #BritishColumbia #Canada

"City council voted to defer any talk of asking for the closure of an #overdoseprevention site [#OPS] in downtown #Nanaimo" #VancouverIsland #BC #BritishColumbia