Nanaimo Public Health

04/24/2026

Do you know a youth looking to grow and explore future career paths?

Youth volunteers Ava, Eren, Liv, Sierra and their fellow student volunteers are making a meaningful impact through the Step Up Youth program. From supporting patients to exploring future careers in healthcare, they’re showing what’s possible close to home.

Applications for fall intake are open until May 15. Apply today! islandhealth.ca/stepupyouth

Read more about their experience as the first group of volunteers in Port McNeill: https://ow.ly/jQOA50YP720

04/22/2026

04/15/2026

10 years after B.C. declared the toxic drug crisis a public health emergency, the impact is still being felt in communities across the region.

Beth Haywood, an Island Health peer, is bringing together other peers in a new community of practice, sharing knowledge, building connection, and strengthening support with one another.

If you or someone you know needs support with substance use, call Access Central at 1-888-885-8824 or visit islandhealth.ca/addiction-care. Crisis support is available 24/7.

04/08/2026

School-based clinics make it easier for parents. No extra appointments, no missed work, and kids can get vaccinated in a place they already know.

More convenience for families, more protection for communities.

Find your local health unit to check your child’s immunization record: https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-locations/health-unit-locations

Read more: https://www.islandhealth.ca/news/stories/families-lead-way-school-clinics-boost-childhood-immunization

03/30/2026

Want to feel more confident about your baby’s sleep?

Here are a few key tips:

- Place baby on their back for every sleep
- Use a firm, separate sleep surface in your room
- Keep the sleep space clear and uncluttered

Register for Right From the Start to get simple, trusted safe sleep guidance from a Public Health Nurse: www.islandhealth.ca/pregnancy

03/24/2026

Pregnant? Wondering about what food to eat, what to avoid and what supplements to take during pregnancy? Register for Right From the Start to start getting support from a public health nurse about food, exercise, mental health and more.
Register at www.islandhealth.ca/pregnancy.

03/11/2026

As people throughout BC adjust to the province’s final time change, it’s a good reminder of how important healthy sleep is for all of us — including babies.

For babies, supporting healthy sleep means focusing on safer sleep practices that keep them protected and support their healthy development. Simple habits — like placing babies on their backs, using firm sleep surfaces, and keeping the crib clear of hazards like pillows, bumper pads, and toys — help create a safer environment where babies can develop their own sleep rhythm.

These are safe sleep practices that parents, grandparents, babysitters and daycare providers alike can follow to support a baby’s safer sleep — whether it’s day or night.

Learn more about safer sleep practices and baby’s sleep patterns in the Pregnancy & Parent Learning Centre from Perinatal Services BC: https://learningcentre.perinatalservicesbc.ca/course/safer-sleep

03/03/2026

Reaching out for help with alcohol or drug use can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. When you call, a care team member will listen, learn what you need, and help connect you to services.

Call Access Central at 1-888-885-8824 or visit islandhealth.ca/addiction-care