B.C. smokers lit up phone lines calling 8-1-1 this week to get help quitting. Over 7,100 nicotine replacement therapy orders were taken during the first week of the Province's smoking cessation program coming into effect Friday, Sept. 30.

Health Minister Michael de Jong issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court of Canada ruling that supported the ongoing operation of Insite, North America's only supervised injection site.

Canada celebrates World Breastfeeding Week Oct. 1-7, an international event designed to promote, support and encourage breastfeeding at the local, national and global levels to improve the health of mothers and babies around the world.

The Province is proclaiming the week of Sept. 17-24, 2011 as "B.C. Coaches Week" to encourage British Columbians to celebrate the valuable contribution these mentors make to their communities.

The Province and Community Living BC (CLBC) are investing an additional $8.9 million to help provide priority services to adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

With kids back to school after summer vacation, life is starting to settle into routine. Help keep daily physical activity a part of your family's schedule and win some great prizes by joining in on the Healthy Families BC Walking Challenge.

British Columbia has the lowest smoking rate in Canada for the 12th year in a row at 14.3 per cent, says the 2010 Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS).