Health Resources

HEALTH UNITS Health units provide general public health services including: - services for older people - travel counseling - dental health services - home care services -long-term care services - mental health services - child health counseling - school health services - expectant parent classes - immunization - speech & audiology services - home visits by community health nurses - health education and nutrition information - environmental health services e.g. food, general sanitation and housing inspections - licensing of community care facilities e.g. boarding and personal care homes, preschools and daycare centres - information on birth control, pregnancy diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases Call your local health unit office for more information: KELOWNA UNITS KELOWNA 1340 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1Z8 868-7700 RUTLAND UNIT 155 Gray Road, Kelowna, BC V1X 1K5 861-7388 WESTBANK UNIT 160-2300 Carrington Rd Westbank, BC V4T 2N6 768-6150 SOUTH OKANAGAN KEREMEOS 5th Street 499-2412 OLIVER 9971-350th Avenue 498-4966 OSOYOOS 8701-76th Avenue 495-6433 PENTICTON South Okanagan Information Line 493-7109 SOUTH OKANAGAN HEALTH UNIT 740 Carmi Avenue, Penticton, BC V2A 8P9 770-3434 Area Covered: Penticton, Kaleden, West Bench, Indian Reserve, Okanagan Falls, Naramata. SUMMERLAND 404-8060 NORTH OKANAGAN VERNON 1440-14th Avenue, Vernon, BC V1B 2T1 549-5700 KAMLOOPS KAMLOOPS 519 Columbia Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2T8 851-7300 ALCOHOL AND DRUG PROGRAMS Organization responsible for planning, funding, and coordinating treatment and prevention programs related to abuse of alcohol and other drugs in BC - intervention and on-going treatment services for alcohol and drug-dependent persons and those close to them, through various detoxification, residential and outpatient programs TRYline 1-800-663-1441 - information and referral service on substance abuse including: - treatment services - alcohol and drug information - education and prevention programs - community mobilization/task forces - Employee Assistance Programs - Alcohol & Drug Programs Program Director: John Armstrong 207-1815 Kirschner Road, Kelowna, BC 861-7221 COMMUNITY SUPPORTS RESOURCE LINE FOR HANDICAPPED ENQUIRY 1-800-465-4911 Community Health Programs COMMUNITY CARE Community Care provides a comprehensive range of community based services to meet a broad range of needs for individuals and families who are experiencing difficulty with managing life style changes due to acute or chronic health issues. Our focus is to provide services to these individuals to enable them to remain at home as long as possible. SERVICES Community Care is comprised of several service areas both in-house or contracted: Clinical Services: - Home Care Nursing - Social Work - Community Rehabilitation - Long Term Care Nursing - Liaison Nursing - Health Services for Community Living Community Support Services: - Adult Day Care Services - Volunteer Services - Meal Programs 1340 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9N1 868-7707 Director: Alice Mah Wren KELLY CARE CENTRE Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday (After hours leave message) Box 429 12801 Kelly Avenue, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0 494-7911 COMMUNITY CARE HEALTH SERVICE 4505-25th Street, Vernon, BC V1T 4S8 545-9288 ARMSTRONG/SPALLUMCHEEN Community Services Centre 3459 Pleasant Valley Road, Armstrong, BC 546-3465 ENDERBY & DISTRICT HOME SUPPORT Box 340 707 3rd Avenue, Enderby, BC V0E 1V0 838-6001 BC ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE CARE - provincial association of private care providers including facility care and home support services - members provide services through Long Term Care Program as well as private services; are committed to maintain high standard of service and administration; promote best interest and welfare of residents, patients, administrators and staff of care facilities and community care agencies - represents members and clients concerns to government covering such areas as standards of care, licensing, placements, etc. - can refer you to local facilities or Community Care Agencies in your area 205-1682 W. 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 4S6 736-4233 MEALS ON WHEELS - service available for those unable to prepare adequate meals for themselves - hot, low cost meals delivered to your home by volunteers - you may apply yourself, or be referred by doctor, social service agency, family or friend Coordinator: Marion Bremner Deliveries are made at noon hour Downtown Kelowna - Monday - Wednesday - Friday Rutland town area, Westbank, Lakeview Heights - Tuesday - Thursday - Saturday 2674 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1V6 763-2424 KEREMEOS - Meals - Mon. - Wed. - Fri. 11:30 - 12:00 Joanne Eaton 499-3028 OLIVER Mrs. Piper 498-2248 OSOYOOS Diane Guay 495-6094 PENTICTON Paula Chemko 770-8986 SUMMERLAND c/o Rotary Club Box 232, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0 Tim Kemp 494-5043 ENDERBY Enderby Hospital - Ask for Kitchen 838-6441 VERNON c/o Community Care 4505-25th Street, Vernon, BC V1T 4S8 545-9288 SALMON ARM Seniors Resource & Info Centre 832-7000 KAMLOOPS Community Support 554-3134 MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN OF BC - available to Canadian citizen or landed immigrant who has lived in BC for three months - you must apply - pay monthly, quarterly or yearly premiums in advance - premium assistance for those on low income - covers most medical, surgical, and diagnostic services Call no charge 1-888-788-4357 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE Purpose is to establish and maintain high standard of mental health and to ensure that proper care and treatment are available to residents of the province. - community mental health services - multi-disciplinary team consisting of nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers -assessment - pharmacotherapy - individual family and group psychotherapies - consultation to other agencies - services are free; referral by anyone MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION LINE - pre-recorded taped messages - printed materials mailed to interested callers - information on treatment and support groups Call no charge 1-800-661-2121 Ministry of Health & Ministry Responsible for Seniors 3rd Flr 1520 Blanchard Street, Victoria, BC V8W 3K2 (250) 952-1629 PHARMACARE - must be BC resident for 90 days prior to coverage and registered with BC Medical Services Plan - medication limited to purchases within BC - seniors 65 and over pay 100% of dispensing fees up to maximum of $200 per senior, per year - gold CareCard is used to obtain: prescription drugs, ostomy supplies, diabetic supplies, and permanent prosthetic appliances PO Box 9655 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9P2 1-800-554-0250 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - For those who are seeking help in their efforts to stop drinking - primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety - telephones answered by sober alcoholics who are recovering in the 12-Steps of AA - call local office for meeting times and locations KELOWNA Box 2012 Stn. R, Kelowna, BC V1X 4J2 Answering Service 763-5555 OLIVER Terry 498-3893 PENTICTON Phone for schedules for meetings Box 20047 Penticton, BC V2A 8K3 490-9216 ALANO CLUB Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 11:30am. Coffee & Fellowship Rm 212 - 69 Nanaimo Avenue East, Penticton KAMLOOPS 374-2456 AL-ANON & AL-A-TEEN - fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics - purpose is to help families of alcoholics - no membership dues - call for local meeting schedules Answering Service 763-5555 VERNON ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 545-4933 AL-ANON 545-4933 KAMLOOPS Al-Anon 374-2456 CROSSROADS TREATMENT CENTRE SOCIETY - 28 day residential treatment -user fee - $40 per day - drug and alcohol addiction - referral through alcohol & drug counselors 123 Franklyn Road, Kelowna, BC V1X 6A9 860-4001 ALZHEIMER SOCIETY - support network - information and education - library, drop-in centre, help line - raises funds for research - wandering registry - formal volunteer training - public education & workshops Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia Toll free in BC 1-800-667-3742 865 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6P6 Administrator: Phyllis Dyck 860-0305 or toll free 1-800-634-3399 Ste 104-35 Westminster Avenue E, Penticton, BC V2A 1H7 Administrator: Karen Kvietinskas 493-8182 or toll free 1-800-318-1122 102-3402-27th Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 1S1 Administrator: Phyllis Dyck 549-6767 PO Box 277, Kamloops, BC V2C 5K6 Administrator: Perri Maynard 554-2440 or toll free 1-800-886-6946 ARTHRITIS SOCIETY OF BC - comprehensive arthritis control program in cooperation with community hospitals - general information about arthritis and its management, including exercise, diet and self-help aids - raises funds to support treatment, education and research activities - information and support line for persons with arthritis, their families and friends - trained volunteers give emotional support, also information on community resources and health care system - Support Groups in various areas - meetings held at the Lecture Rm, Rehab Centre, KGH, fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 pm BC AND YUKON DIVISION 895 W 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC 1-800-321-1433 Phone 10:00 am - 4:00pm - Mon. - Fri. KELOWNA 201-1815 Kirschner Road, Kelowna, BC 868-8643 VERNON Box 611, Vernon, BC V1T 6M6 Contact: Hilda 542-3550 CANADIAN ASSOCIATION of SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS & AUDIOLOGISTS Registered society whose purpose is: to establish and promote quality hearing care services for the hearing impaired - educate the public regarding hearing problems, hearing aids and other related matters - establish and encourage appropriate standards of practice and ethical conduct of private practitioner audiologists - information and advice 9912 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby, BC V3J 1N3 553-4797 BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY (Central Okanagan) - offers community-based rehabilitation, personal and family support, employment support and professional education - hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm 100-532 Leon Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6J6 762-3233 701 Winnipeg Street, Penticton, BC V2A 5N2 Contact: Lisette Shewfelt 490-0613 CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers, whose mission is the eradication of cancer, and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm CANCER INFORMATION LINE 1-888-939-3333 BC & YUKON DIVISION 1633 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1P6 762-6381 Toll Free 1-800-403-8222 District Manager: Diane Slater PENTICTON UNIT - Monday - Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm - July & August Monday - Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm 101-35 Westminster Ave E., Penticton, BC V2A 1H7 Bob Searle (President) 490-9681 SUMMERLAND Box 174, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0 Mae LaLonde 494-9224 Dorleen Ryman 494-8121 VERNON - Monday - Friday 10:00am -1:00pm 104-3402 - 27th Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 1S1 542-0770 KAMLOOPS 270 Lansdowne Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 1X7 374-9188 CANCER VISITOR PROGRAM - one on one support group - volunteer visitors sharing with one another and giving support - support service affiliated with Canadian Cancer Society Kelowna Office at 762-6381 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The CCS Provides limited, short-term financial assistance towards certain treatment-related items and access to symptom management drugs through a partnership with the BC Cancer Agency. - this program helps to defray expenses for patients who would be unable to go for treatment because of lack of funds. Patients must complete a confidential financial assessment with a trained emergency aid volunteer - call unit office to set up an interview CANADIAN NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND - non profit society provides services which help in adjustment to blindness: - counseling, rehabilitation aids and materials, career counseling - serving the visually impaired in the Okanagan Valley, East and West Kootenays - talking book library and low vision clinic Head Office BC-Yukon Division 5055 Joyce Street, Vancouver, BC V5R 6B2 431-2020 KELOWNA District Manager: Bill Liggins 247 Lawrence Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6L2 763-1191 PENTICTON 220 Manor Park Avenue, Penticton, BC V2A 2R2 496-4080 KAMLOOPS 101-635 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2B3 374-8080 OKANAGAN VISUALLY IMPAIRED SOCIETY - a club of Visually Impaired and totally blind persons - the club has a bowling team of 9-10 regulars, also a Blind & Visually Impaired Lawn Bowling club - cribbage is available as well as a curling club - hosts regular banquets, planned trips & a wind-up social in the month of June before summer break 3415 Moberly Road, Kelowna V1W 3H9 Sandy Neddow 868-1468 CANADIAN CELIAC ASSOC. - Kelowna Chapter - Celiac Disease is a medical condition in which the absorptive surface of the small intestine is damaged by a substance called gluten. This results in an inability of the body to absorb nutrients: protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for good health - meets on the second Sunday of Sept, Nov., Feb., April & June in the Lecture room at the Rehab. Centre, KGH at 1:00 pm - support group discusses problems, exchanges recipes for Gluten Free food & other related items - information period when dietitians, Doctors & pharmacists discuss the medical aspects of the disease. 2468 Thacker Drive, Kelowna, BC V1Z 1W1 President: Susan 769-7163 CEREBRAL PALSY ASSOCIATION OF BC - advocacy and information for those with cerebral palsy and their families - education for general public about causes, treatment and prevention - library for loan to public - liaises with government and other agencies on behalf of those with cerebral palsy Unit 102 - 317 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 1A7 1-800-663-0004 CHELATION THERAPY - Chelation therapy is a safe, effective and relatively inexpensive treatment to restore blood flow in victims of atherosclerosis, usually without surgery - it involves the intravenous infusion of a prescription medicine called ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) - Chelation therapy is used to reverse symptoms of hardening of the arteries - Chelation therapy promotes health by correcting the major underlying cause of arterial blockage BC Friends of Chelation Society Ste 366, 133-437 Martin Street, Penticton, BC V2A 5L1 Contact: Wes Cook 498-0304 CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION, BC - licensing and professional body for BC Doctors’ of Chiropractic - provides information on: - chiropractic health care - coverage of Medical Services Plan, ICBC, WCB, and private insurers - referral service for groups wishing guest lecturers on prevention or treatment of back disorders 130-10100 Shellbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X 2W7 (604) 270-1332 CROHN’S & COLITIS FOUNDATION CANADA - a national non-profit organization committed to finding the cure for inflammatory bowel disease - the CCFC invests 90% of money raised on research and education Ste.30 121 St. Clair Avenue E, Toronto, Ontario M4T 1L9 (416) 920-5035 DENTURIST ASSOCIATION OF BC - non-profit organization of volunteer membership of licensed denturists working toward providing high quality denture service directly to public - on-going education to members - Denturists are denture specialists supplying quality, low-cost denture service - referral services for licensed members and lecture material on denture related topics 9801 King George Highway C312 Surrey, BC V3T 5H5 (604) 582-6823 DIABETES ASSOCIATION, CANADIAN - voluntary organization stresses public awareness, education and research - fund research - educational material - support groups and volunteers 204 -1755 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7P1 762-9447 102-35 Westminster Avenue E, Penticton V2A 1H7 492-2863 103-3313-32nd Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 6N6 549-5002 120-540 Seymour, Kamloops, BC V2C 2G9 374-5744 DIAL A DIETITIAN - non-profit society providing free phone information service to answer questions on: - nutrition, special diets, and food safety - technical library on topics such as: - food composition - nutritional requirements - vitamin supplements - controversial diets - food fallacies - additives - therapeutic diet modifications - food safety - referrals to appropriate agencies and self-help groups - phone-in service only Call Toll Free 1-800-667-3438 DISPENSING OPTICIANS ASSOC. OF BC 536-6th Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 3B5 (604) 525-5377 ELDERLY OUTREACH PROGRAM - specialized, community based mental health program to provide assessment, counselling, education & caregiver support to those over the age of 65 suffering from an emotional difficulty; depression, grief, loss, dementia, abuse, etc. - a community based service, it allows a qualified professional to visit persons in their own homes - to provide help & support as long as it is needed - psychiatric assessment, consultation & follow-up, education & caregiver support - the team works with a geriatric psychiatrist who is based in Penticton - No Fee. Service is sponsored by the IHA 740 Carmi Avenue, Penticton, BC V2A 8P9 770-3555 EMPTY NEST - provides companionship and enjoyment for people who are in need of a social outing. Designed primarily for seniors - runs Friday afternoons from September to mid-May, out of Mt. Paul United Church. Some transportation provided 140 Laburnum Street, Kamloops, BC V2B 1G4 Marion 376-4564 Church 376-2261 FIBROMYALGIA EDUCATION PROGRAM - Referral from doctor necessary to use program - 2 hour sessions once a week for 8 weeks at KGH Contact: Rod Shaw 862-4216 Penticton Arthritis Service c/o Penticton Regional Hospital 550 Carmi Avenue, Penticton, BC V2A 5G6 - referral from doctor necessary - 2 hour sessions, once a week for 9 weeks Penticton Arthritis Service Ext 2286 492-4000 GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS - group meets once a week in the evening - phone for location Contact: Kathy 766-4535 GENETIC COUNSELLING - counseling and information on origin and principals of heredity Vancouver (604) 875-2157 G F STRONG CENTRE Non-profit organization licensed under BC Hospital Act as rehabilitation centre - treats inpatients /outpatients in organized clinical services - services oriented for those with severe disabilities including strokes, chronic neurological conditions, arthritis, Parkinson’s, and other conditions - referral from physician is required 4255 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9 (604) 734-1313 HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF BC & YUKON - a community based organization of volunteers whose mission is the prevention and relief of heart disease and stroke through programs of research, education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, fund raising and influencing public policy. 201-1456 St Paul Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6N9 860-6275 202-3402-27th Avenue, Vernon, BC 558-5815 203-635 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2B3 372-3938 HOSPICE ASSOCIATION - No One Should Die Or Grieve Alone - Our mission is to provide Support and Understanding to the terminally ill, their families, caregivers, and the bereaved together with creating community awareness of the Hospice philosophy - Kelowna Hospice provides trained volunteers who: - are there to give support for the dying and their families - provide companionship - relieve caregivers for short periods of time - provide information about community resources - facilitate patients and families in developing their own support systems - offer support and friendship to the bereaved - referrals are received from the medical community, clergy, friends, family or patients - anyone wishing information or help can call Kelowna Hospice 219-1980 Cooper Road, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8K5 763-5511 Oliver - South Okanagan General Hospital Karen Fleming 498-5000 Penticton 492-9071 Vernon Jubilee Hospital 2101 - 32nd Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 5L2 503-1800 543 Battle Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2M1 372-1336 KALANO CLUB - non-alcoholic social club 2108 Vasile Road, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6H5 762-4999 KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF CANADA (BC Branch) - research into kidney disease and related disorders - public education and patient services - dialysis camp for children with kidney disease 320 -1600 W. 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1R3 Toll Free 1-800-567-8112 KINSMEN FOUNDATION, BC & Yukon KRF is a provincial non-profit organization which provides services to people with physical disabilities. The Technology for Independent Living Division assists persons with severe physical disabilities by providing assistive technology such as environmental control systems, augmentative communication systems, and other forms of technical support, which open up a world of options. Tasks including making telephone calls, turning on lights, answering the door, or changing channels on TV would be impossible without special equipment. For many individuals who have lost the ability to speak, speech devices are provided to help communicate to family and friends. The Foundation also teaches disability awareness to elementary school children through the Kids on the Block education puppetry program. Vancouver (604) 570-0333 LUNG ASSOCIATION, BC - active in funding and conducting research - education and community programs concerning respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, lung cancer and tuberculosis 2675 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 2K2 1-800-665-5864 www.bc.lung.ca Penticton - Better Breathers Club Contact: Ruth Darby 490-8823 KELOWNA - Kelowna Respiratory Club Contact: Todd Gale 868-7770 VERNON - Better Breathers 545-0233 KAMLOOPS - Puffers Club 314-2476 LUPUS SOCIETY, BC - a resource, information, and support group for people with lupus and their families - lending of videos, books (can be purchased) - newsletter four times a year 895 W 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L7 (604) 263-4049 MEDIC ALERT MedicAlert is a lifelong, comprehensive membership for Canadians with medical conditions that should be known in the event of a medical emergency. Established in 1961, the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation is a registered charity which protects its members by giving first responders and health care providers instant access to reliable medical information. MedicAlert’s comprehensive service includes a bracelet or necklet custom engraved with vital medical facts, a 24-hour hotline number and a member ID number. Emergency & health care providers can call the hotline for medical details from confidential computerized records that include medication, allergies, physicians and emergency contacts. Members can update their file at any time, free of charge. Vancouver Toll Free 1-800-668-1507 MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION - voluntary association working in partnerships to maintain, support and promote the optimal mental wellness of the community. - funding from the Province of BC, Ministry of Health 504 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5X1 861-3644 825 Westminster Avenue, Penticton, BC V2A 1L1 493-8999 3105 - 28th Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 2N3 542-3114 141 Shuswap Street SW, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4S1 832-8477 857 Seymour Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2H6 374-0440 MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY OF CANADA - support and education to individuals, families and groups - information and referral to other community resources and health professionals - network of self-help/support groups - social and recreational support - assistance with mobility equipment and daily living aids - public awareness and education through audio-visual, up-to-date literature and personal presentations - educational presentations to community groups, health professionals - meeting held call of the chair 1-800-268-7582 Kelowna - Myra Majeran 762-5850 Penticton - Lucille Hyndman 493-6564 Kamloops - Marcia Wilson 314-0773 MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOC. OF CANADA - raises funds to sponsor research into causes and cures - financial assistance for equipment and orthotic devices when coverage by own federal, provincial or private health insurance plans is insufficient - public, client and health care education about management of neuromuscular disorders - referral and liaison to specialty clinics for medical and psycho social care 303-1338 W Broadway Avenue, Vancouver, BC 732-8799 Kelowna President: Robert Battilana 860-6013 NATUROPATHIC ASSOCIATION (BC) - Naturopathic medicine is primary healthcare from licensed doctors, without the use of drugs or surgery - the BCNA is the professional association for Naturopathic Physicians in BC - the BCNA offers patients referrals to a doctor anywhere in the province 2238 Pine Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 5G4 604-736-6646

 

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