Welcome to Kamloops:  5 Health Care Planning Tips in Kamloops

Tip1: Check Health Link BC

HealthLink BC provides access to non-emergency health information and advice in British Columbia. Information and advice is available by telephone, a website, a mobile app, and a collection of print resources. HealthLink BC brought together some of British Columbia’s most trusted and recognized health information services including: the BC HealthGuide, BC HealthFiles, BC NurseLine, Pharmacist Services, Dial-a-Dietitian, and the Physical Activity Line (PAL) – and expanded these with an online and by-phone navigation service to help you find the health resources and facilities you need, closest to where you live. Please visit the Resource Order Form page if you would like to order brochures, posters, magnets, and more about HealthLink BC. One can also dial 811 to speak with a registered nurse, dietitian, pharmacist or exercise professionals. The service is available in different languages.

Tip2: Enhance your Health Literacy

Learn about health literacy by completing the ABC Health Matters Workbook. Understanding health literacy is a shared responsibility between newcomer and their health care provider. Everyone is a partner in this learning journey.  Decide what activities you want to do in this workbook. Choose those activities important to your life.

Tip3: Know your care options and local resources

Interior Health Guide to Home & Community Care provides a detailed review of care options.  The Center for Senior Information has its directory for health care services in Kamloops. Kamloops Community Response Network lists many organizations to improve health for victims of violence. TRU has health care assistant program to train health care aids to meet community needs. If you need to learn about the stay in Royal Inland Hospital check the information here. Please check the BC Low cost dental programs for cancer patients. A detailed First Nations BC Health Handbook is also available. BC elder’s guide lists many relevant health care resources. Kamloops Health Care Services are also listed on relocate to Canada.com website

Tip 4: Grow your health

The City of Kamloops offers an interesting brochure on plant health care on how to caring for the health of your gardens. Elaine Sedgman developed a start-up guide on Public Produce: Growing Food in Public Spaces.

Tip5: Check your BC health insurance benefits

Healthcare insurance information when moving to BC is available here and here.  The medical services BC plan brochure is available online and provides critical information on what is covered under the plan. When you need to refuse health care, please review this information sheet to know your rights. Access to Trans Surgical Health Care in BC is outlined in this article. Information on immunization using health care workers as examples can be obtained here. BC Palliative care benefits registration can be accessed here. WorkSafe BC provides a detailed overview of health care and social services and injury prevention resources here. The most used health care related services for immigrants are listed here. More migration matters info sheets can be accessed here. Some culturally sensitive health care practices are listed in the following publication: Providing Diversity Competent Care to People of the Sikh Faith The brochure provides Questions and Answers about the Privacy of Personal Health Information and E‐health in British Columbia. There are multiple health volunteer opportunities listed on Volunteer Kamloops website. If you need a family doctor please check the Find a Doctor website or BC Physician search. Look for Kamloops Doctor’s directory. All you need to know about the Pharma Care Assistance Levels and Pharma Care Plans. General Information about Pharma Care. If you know additional health related resources please e-mail okondrashov@tru.ca