Stay connected with what’s happening across Northern Health with this month’s community update, featuring news, service updates, and highlights from around the region.
- Emergency Department Status Now Online
- Community and Organizational Highlights
- Accessing Care Wisely
- Health Human Resources and Community Programs
- Capital Projects Updates
- Public Health Updates
- Stories and Learning Opportunities
Emergency Department Status Now Online
Northern Health has launched a new Emergency Department Status webpage, giving residents up‑to‑date information about which emergency departments are open or temporarily closed. This tool helps communities stay prepared during urgent situations.
Always call 9-1-1 for life‑threatening emergencies.
Community and Organizational Highlights
Holiday Donations: PetSmart Prince George expanded its annual program, delivering stuffed animals to children in UHNBC’s pediatric ward. Read the full story here!
First Baby of 2026: The region’s first baby of the new year was born in Terrace, a healthy baby girl. Read more here!
Residency Program Spotlight: Dr. Bron Finkelstein shares his story of returning to Northern BC to practice full‑service rural family medicine. Read the full story here!
Growing Smiles: Desert Hills Ranch continues its tradition of donating fresh produce to long‑term care homes across the North, brightening days and supporting nutrition. Read the full story here!
Accessing Care Wisely
Northern Health encourages residents to reduce pressure on emergency departments by using alternative care options when appropriate.
These include:
- Family physicians
- Urgent or primary care centres
- HealthLink BC (8-1-1)
- Pharmacist services
- Virtual health clinics, including NH’s Virtual Clinic and the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day
- Northern Health Virtual Clinic at 1-844-645-7811
- Or call 1-855-344-3800 to book an appointment with the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day
For serious emergencies, the ER remains the best place to be.
Health Human Resources and Community Programs
The items in this Health Human Resources (HHR) section highlight some of NH’s efforts to strengthen health care in the North by improving staff recruitment and retention as part of BC's Health Human Resources Strategy
- Healing Hooves Program: Nicole Hendry’s equine‑supported initiative is helping high‑risk youth in Terrace. Read more.
- SEED Program: The first cohort of this student education initiative has wrapped up, inspiring future healthcare professionals for 2026. Read more.
- Simulation Training: Northern Clinical Simulation Centres in several communities provide immersive training for healthcare staff. Read more.
- Leadership Achievement: Stacey Pickering, Regional Director, has earned the Certified Health Executive designation. Read more.
Capital Projects Updates
- Dawson Creek & District Hospital: Construction continues, with opening planned for Spring 2027. Warm-toned exterior panels were recently unveiled, and relocation planning is underway. Read the full story here.
- UHNBC Acute Care Tower: A major milestone was reached with the signing of the Alliance Development Agreement and approval of new zoning for the site. Read more.
Public Health Updates
- End of BC’s Decriminalization Pilot: The exemption ended on January 31, 2026, meaning possession of illicit substances is again illegal except in designated sites. Drug consumption remains allowed in overdose prevention facilities. Read more here!
- Toxic Drug Alert - Smithers: A dangerous blue substance sold as “down” has caused prolonged sedative effects; alerts and more information are available online. For more details, visit this website.
- Text Alerts Now Available: Residents can receive toxic drug alerts by texting JOIN to ALERTS (253787). More information.
Stories and Learning Opportunities
Recent features on the Northern Health Stories site include:
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Read more
- Healthy living tips. Read more
- Cultural food stories
- Supports for new families. Read more
- Updates on standardized resuscitation carts. Read more
Monthly community health resources are also available through the Northern Health Communities E‑Brief.
To subscribe to this monthly newsletter, please email healthycommunities@northernhealth.ca with the subject line "subscribe."