Downtown audio journey shines light on Campbell River’s toxic drug crisis
Locals will soon have the chance to listen in on the ongoing toxic drug poisoning crisis, hearing stories recorded from those who have experienced it first hand. The Walk With Me team is making its way north to Campbell River, launching a handful of community walks...
Growing concerns about seniors in Campbell River losing homes, fearing the loss of homes
The John Howard Society of North Island offers a range of programs and services including homeless outreach and prevention, a program that connects people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with housing and community-based support services. Almost 50 per cent...
Intimate partner violence is the leading cause of housing instability for women and children in Canada
In Canada, intimate partner violence is the leading cause of housing instability for women and children. Approximately 30% of Canada’s homeless population are women, 91% of whom have also endured some form of violence or assault in their lifetime. Organizations...
Single mom struggles to find housing in Campbell River
Kandi Keller has lived most of her life in Campbell River. She’s been a single mom for 16 years and was steadily employed until health issues left her on disability supports. Kandi recently faced another enormous challenge -- the loss of the family’s rental home --...
Overdose responders with lived experience are especially susceptible to burnout
Five years into British Columbia’s opioid-involved overdose public health emergency, the emotional and psychological burden carried by those responding to overdoses is increasing. The total deaths from overdoses in May 2021 bring total fatalities for 2021 up to 851,...
Recent Posts
For People First Media audio, please follow the link to the post.
VIMHS NEWS
Campbell River students welcome homeless to the neighbourhood
When a $10.4 million supportive housing project for the homeless was announced in Campbell River, it wasn’t completely popular with local residents. “Neighbours were concerned, businesses in the area too, and a lot was mentioned about the neighbouring schools in the...
Here’s our VIMHS Currents newsletter for May 2021
Take the Virtual Mission Challenge and support local organizations... Why words matter: The negative impacts of racial microaggressions... VIMHS updates from Nanaimo to Campbell River... Calming your inner world... Homelessness in Nanaimo: How does it compare with...
#GetReal about how you feel: Mental Health Week in Canada May 3 to 9
Mental Health Week is a Canadian tradition, with communities, schools and workplaces rallying to celebrate, protect and promote mental health. The core objective of Mental Health Week is to promote mental health because mental health is something we can promote and...
MEDIA SCAN
Month over month, people in BC continue to lose their lives to the poisoned drug supply in record numbers
Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the following statement regarding the BC Coroners Service’s report on illicit drug toxicity deaths for April 2021: “Month over month, people in British Columbia continue to lose their lives to...
Solving the problems in mental health care
Dealing with a mental illness is challenging enough, but more often the biggest challenge is in accessing timely help and getting the right treatment. Veteran mental-health leader Dr. David Goldbloom knows this problem well and addresses the solutions in his new book,...
Campbell River students welcome homeless to the neighbourhood
When a $10.4 million supportive housing project for the homeless was announced in Campbell River, it wasn’t completely popular with local residents. “Neighbours were concerned, businesses in the area too, and a lot was mentioned about the neighbouring schools in the...
PEOPLE FIRST MEDIA
Single mom struggles to find housing in Campbell River
Kandi Keller has lived most of her life in Campbell River. She’s been a single mom for 16 years and was steadily employed until health issues left her on disability supports. Kandi recently faced another enormous challenge -- the loss of the family’s rental home --...
Overdose responders with lived experience are especially susceptible to burnout
Five years into British Columbia’s opioid-involved overdose public health emergency, the emotional and psychological burden carried by those responding to overdoses is increasing. The total deaths from overdoses in May 2021 bring total fatalities for 2021 up to 851,...
Peer support workers essential in preventing overdose, drug poisoning deaths
Peer support workers play an essential role in supporting people with substance use related challenges. They offer judgement-free care, and personal connection for people experiencing substance use challenges and who may feel isolated and vulnerable. Peer support...
