Health

COVID-19 spring booster campaign geared toward highest risk British Columbians

NANAIMO - A newly announced spring booster program focuses on the elderly and vulnerable.During a Friday, March 10 media briefing provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry stated the next round of bo...

Mar 10, 2023

'We've become a very busy location:' usage spike reported at Nanaimo overdose prevention site

NANAIMO - A newly opened enhanced venue for drug users to safely consume led to a sharp increase in clients taking advantage of the service. Inhalation users represents more than 80 per cent of the ro...

Alex Rawnsley Mar 10, 2023

Nanaimo leads Vancouver Island in toxic drug deaths in January

NANAIMO - Tainted drugs continue to have a significant impact on the Harbour City.The Greater Nanaimo area recorded 12 fatalities linked to toxic drugs in January, according to new data from the BC Co...

Mar 07, 2023

Nanaimo business fined $25K for 'repeated high-risk safety violations'

NANAIMO - A local business operator had a notable fine levied against them for how it handled an on-site rodent infestation, resulting in a serious illness to an employee.A WorkSafe BC penalty summary...

Feb 10, 2023

Contentious Nanaimo harm reduction service closes, NANDU faces unclear future

NANAIMO - A controversial drug consumption service on Nicol St. will officially be no more as of March 1.The site, located at 264 Nicol St. is run by the Nanaimo Area Network of Drug Users (NANDU), wh...

Feb 06, 2023

Historic pilot project decriminalizing drugs takes effect in B.C.

NANAIMO - British Columbia will become the first province to remove penalties for adults possessing small amounts of certain drugs.Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 31, people 18-years-old and up won't be arres...

Jan 30, 2023

Federal NDP leader pushes for action on struggling healthcare system

QUALICUM BEACH - Jagmeet Singh said he's heard loud and clear the region's healthcare system is failing.The federal NDP leader stopped in Qualicum Beach on Tuesday, Jan. 24 for a roundtable with local...

Jan 24, 2023

Nanaimo MP pushes for alcohol warning labels, elevated health risks cited in updated research

NANAIMO - Evidence showing health risks linked to alcohol consumption are increasingly severe requires action from the federal government, declared the Member of Parliament for Nanaimo Ladysmith.Relea...

Jan 20, 2023

Nanaimo doctor sparks motivation during National Non Smoking Week

NANAIMO - A local family doctor and smoking cessation specialist is highlighting the importance of butting out. Dr. Derek Poteryko said National Non Smoking Week, headlined by Weedless Wednesday, is a...

Daryl Major Jan 18, 2023

Salvation Army to tear down aging half of downtown Nanaimo building

NANAIMO - A critical local social service provider is forging ahead with redevelopment plans to expand its busy Nicol St. location. Salvation Army New Hope Centre executive director Jeffrey Baergen sa...

Jan 16, 2023