The grassroots movement that made contraception free in B.C.
Mar. 5, 2023 — Times Colonist
... When prescription contraceptives become free starting April 1, it will be the culmination of an effort begun seven years ago by a grassroots group called AccessBC that had its start in a Vancouver Island kitchen as a back-of-the-envelope rough idea ... READ MORE
COVID-19 booster shots recommended for high-risk Canadians starting this spring
Mar. 3 — CBC
... The new recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) outline that an additional vaccine dose may be offered at a standard interval — six or more months from the last COVID-19 vaccine dose or SARS-CoV-2 infection, whichever is longer — for people at a higher risk of severe illness ... READ MORE
More than 80 prescription labels found near downtown Nanaimo
Mar. 2 — Chek News
... Collen Middleton, the organization’s chair, found his first prescription label on the ground in his neighbourhood in November. Since then he’s collected more than 80. “I was really surprised,” said Middleton. Most are for hydromorphone, one of the drugs prescribed as part of B.C.’s safe supply program that started in 2020 and expanded the following year ... READ MORE
B.C. premier 'astonished' firm got Health Canada approval to make and sell cocaine
Mar. 2 — CTV News
... British Columbia Premier David Eby says he is "astonished" that Health Canada has granted a cannabis company the right to possess, produce, sell and distribute cocaine. Adastra Labs in Langley, B.C., said in a news release that Health Canada gave it approval on Feb. 17 for an amendment under its controlled substance dealer’s licence ... READ MORE
Prescription birth control will soon be free in B.C. Here's what you need to know
Mar. 1 — CBC
... British Columbia is soon to become the first jurisdiction in Canada to make prescription birth control free to its residents. Here's what you need to know — from what's covered to who's covered ... READ MORE
B.C. budget: Billions earmarked for health care, addictions treatment
Feb. 28 — Global News
... British Columbia’s 2023-2024 is earmarking nearly $6.4 billion in new spending over the next three years to bolster the province’s health care system, including a new mental health and addictions strategy. More than $2.3 billion of that money will come this year, and see health spending in B.C. grow to $28.6 billion, more than a third of the entire provincial budget ... READ MORE