An individual in British Columbia has tested presumptive positive for avian influenza (also known as bird flu) caused by the H5 influenza virus, the first detection of avian influenza due to the H5 virus in a person in B.C.

On Sept. 10, 2023, three people in Vancouver were attacked and Blair Donnelly, a patient at the BC Forensic Psychiatric Hospital (FPH) who was on unescorted leave, was arrested and subsequently charged with three counts of assault with a weapon.

Data collected by the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) shows sacrifices and protective steps taken by self-advocates, families, home-sharing providers and service providers during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an overall positive health outcome for the population Community Living BC (CLBC) serves.

Legislative changes are now in effect that will prevent dangerous persons convicted of serious Criminal Code offences from legally changing their names.

Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has issued the following statement about measures that Health Canada is taking to help protect youth from nicotine-replacement therapies (NRT):

Children and youth with complex medical conditions are one step closer to receiving dedicated services through a new BC Children’s Hospital centre for health complexity at 3644 Slocan St. in East Vancouver.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer, has issued the following statement to make sure children in B.C. are up to date on all their vaccines as part of back-to-school preparations:

More cancer patients, especially those living in rural and remote areas, will benefit from improved access to life-saving cancer care as the Province further invests in medical-travel supports, reducing costs and financial barriers.

Seniors will be supported to stay in their homes longer with a new virtual service that provides some of the essential support of a long-term care facility in their own home.