The Province has declared today Advance Care Planning Day in British Columbia. The day highlights the importance of all capable adult British Columbians making their future health-care wishes known in advance of a time when they may be incapable of doing so.

British Columbians with terminal illnesses, their loved ones and caregivers now have access to after-hours support in their homes with the expansion of the After- Hours Palliative Nursing Service (AHPNS).

Youth who have a parent suffering from a mental illness are about to receive support through an innovative program in Victoria.

Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor Dr. Evan Adams has been appointed Deputy Provincial Health Officer, announced Minister of Health Michael de Jong, the First Nations Heath Council and the interim First Nations Health Authority.

With the launch of Phase 2 of the Integrated Case Management (ICM) System on April 2, 2012, the Province is taking another important step in protecting and supporting B.C.'s most vulnerable citizens, said Minister of Social Development Stephanie Cadieux.

Seniors, other clients with complex care needs and their families are benefiting from increased staffing levels at residential-care facilities as a result of the investment of $55 million from B.C.'s revised residential-care rate structure revenues and one-time funding for infrastructure.

The Province supports new physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines for the early years (children aged 0-4) released today by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) and ParticipACTION.

The Province is expanding PharmaCare coverage for patients suffering from hepatitis C to include the drug boceprevir (Victrelis and Victrelis Triple), helping patients and their families.

During the January to April semester, 200 B.C. nursing students received a total of $400,000 in Nurses Education Bursaries that will help them with their education-related expenses.