First Nations Health Authority

10/26/2026

FYI.

PLEASE SHARE: A Drug Poisoning/Overdose Advisory has been issued for the Mount Waddington area.

- Check out Island Health’s Harm Reduction Services page at https://ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF to find information on overdose prevention and supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services and more.

- For harm reduction services and information, including naloxone programs, visit Toward the Heart at https://ow.ly/Nlzv50PLkLO

- If you’re using alone, try the Lifeguard App at https://ow.ly/183a50PLkLN or the Brave App at https://ow.ly/rbxN50PLkLG, or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677

- For Indigenous-specific information, visit the First Nations Health Authority’s Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction pages at https://ow.ly/ktA450PLkNW

10/26/2026

“The land carries teachings of healing, while youth carry the strength and wisdom to shape tomorrow,” said Helena Visona, addiction specialist for the Fraser Salish region.

Learn more about how a gathering in the Fraser Salish Region brought young people together to explore harm reduction through culture, community and land-based learning at the link below.

A gathering in the Fraser Salish Region brought young people together to explore harm reduction through culture, community and land-based learning As First Nations communities continue to respond to the toxic drug public health emergency, creating spaces where young people can connect with one anoth...

10/23/2026

How does Social Determinants of Health Funding support community-defined priorities that strengthen health and wellness? For one Haisla Nation youth, a visit to the North Pacific Cannery in Port Edward became so much more than a history lesson.

Read the full story:

How Social Determinants of Health Funding supports community-defined priorities that strengthen health and wellness This is a community initiatives story in our Social Determinants of Health Learning ...

10/23/2026

🙌🏼

10/22/2026

Have you used FNHA Health Benefits? We want to hear from you.

FNHA is evaluating its Health Benefits program, including dental, vision, mental health and wellness, and medical supplies and equipment benefits. We invite FNHA Health Benefits clients to share their experiences through a short survey.

Your feedback will help identify what is working well and where improvements can be made to ensure the program continues to support the health and wellness needs of First Nations people and communities.

When you complete the survey, you can choose to enter a monthly draw for a $50 prize.

Access the survey here: https://interceptum.com/s/en/HBClientSurvey

Or learn more at our latest news post below!

FNHA is evaluating its Health Benefits program, including dental, vision, mental health and wellness, and medical supplies and equipment benefits. We invite FNHA Health Benefits clients to share their...

10/21/2026

In case you missed it: There's still one week left to apply for the 2026-2027 Winter Wellness Grants!

Apply by October 28 to receive funding to support community winter wellness The winter season is an opportunity for us to focus on what nurtures our spirit during the winter months. Whether that be ga...

10/20/2026

FYI for those in the Nanaimo area.

PLEASE SHARE: A Drug Poisoning/Overdose Advisory has been issued for the Nanaimo area.

Check out Island Health’s Harm Reduction Services page at https://ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF to find information on overdose prevention and supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services and more.

For harm reduction services and information, including naloxone programs, visit Toward the Heart at https://ow.ly/Nlzv50PLkLO

If you’re using alone, try the Lifeguard App at https://ow.ly/183a50PLkLN or the Brave App at https://ow.ly/rbxN50PLkLG, or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677

For Indigenous-specific information, visit the First Nations Health Authority’s Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction pages at https://ow.ly/ktA450PLkNW

10/20/2026

Did you know? Free HPV protection has been expanded and is now available to more people than ever.

Free HPV protection is available to everyone in BC aged 9-26, as well as people living with HIV and those who identify as gay, bisexual, Two-Spirit, transgender or non-binary, up to age 45.

HPV is one of the leading causes of mouth and throat cancer, and protection is safe, effective and protects against six types of cancer. If you missed it before, it's not too late to protect yourself now.

Visit fnha.ca/protectyourvoice to learn more.

10/19/2026

Applications are open for the Indigenous Health Administration and Leadership Program (IHALP) at the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health!

Application deadline: Nov. 18, 2026

Full details below.

10/16/2026

In case you missed it.

Rabies awareness: Spending Time on the Land Safely

As hunting, harvesting, and other land-based activities increase this fall, the FNHA is reminding community members to take precautions around wildlife to avoid the risk of rabies. While rabies remains very rare in BC, it is a serious disease that affects the brain and nervous system. The good news is that infection can be prevented if treatment is received promptly after exposure.

Being on the land is essential to health, culture, and wellbeing. Whether harvesting traditional foods, hunting, trapping, gathering medicines, or simply enjoying time outdoors with family, community members can reduce risk by remaining aware and avoiding direct contact with animals that appear sick or are behaving strangely, including:
• appearing disoriented or unsteady;
• showing little fear of people;
• appearing unusually aggressive; or
• exhibiting excessive drooling.

As hunting season gets underway, ensure dogs and other pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations. Keep dogs under control while on the land, and prevent contact with bats, skunks, and other wildlife. If your pet is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, contact a veterinarian immediately. Vaccination remains the most effective protection for pets.

If an animal is displaying any of these abnormal behaviours, stay away from it and report it to the BC RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.