Health support services
Health HELP lines and directories
HealthLink BC
Dealing With Emergencies | HealthLink BC
Emergencies - Review this topic before you need it. Then, when you are faced with an emergency or injury, you will know what to do. Your confidence in dealing with both major and minor emergencies will be reassuring to an injured person.
HealthLink BC - 24/7 Health Advice You Can Trust
Wondering where to start?
- COVID-19 Self-Assessment and Resources
- Urgent and Primary Care Centres
- Food for Thought - Canada’s new Food Guide is here! Health Canada has released an updated guide that will inform healthy eating policy for Canadians.
- HealthLinkBC Files - easy-to-understand 2-page facts sheets on a range of public health and safety topics. They provide information on key health topics such as childhood and adult disease prevention, healthy eating, food safety, immunization, and environmental health hazards.
- Find Health Services - The HealthLinkBC Directory provides listings for health services provided by the provincial government, provincial health authorities, and non-profit agencies across the province.
HealthLink BC provides reliable non-emergency health information and advice in British Columbia. Information and advice is available by telephone, our website, a mobile app and a collection of print resources. Through our programs and services, you can get the information you need to make decisions for yourself and those you care for. With our website and telephone service, information is available wherever you want it, any time of the day or night, every day of the year. Translation services are available in more than 130 languages.
HealthLink BC is as close as your phone or the web any time of the day or night, every day of the year. Call 8-1-1 toll-free in B.C. You can speak with a health service navigator, who can also connect you with:
- Dietitian Services: speak to a registered dietitian from 9am to 5pm Pacific Time, Monday to Friday
- Nursing Services: speak to a registered nurse any time, every day of the year for non-emergency, confidential health education and advice
- Pharmacist Services: speak to a pharmacist from 5pm to 9am Pacific Time every day of the year
- Physical Activity Services: speak to a qualified exercise professional from 9am to 5pm Pacific Time, Monday to Friday
For the deaf and hard of hearing, contact: HealthLinkBC 8-1-1 using Video Relay Services (VRS), or Teletypewriter (TTY). The Video Relay Services (VRS) provides sign language interpretation. It is free for registered deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired Canadians who use sign language. VRS is available when making telephone calls using Internet and cell-phone technology. Visit Video Relay Services to sign up and give them the number 604-215-5101 to call us. British Columbians who are deaf and hard of hearing have always had access to HealthLinkBC 8-1-1 through a Teletypewriter (TTY) relay service by dialing 7-1-1. A TTY relay service call allows a person with a hearing or speech disability to reach a relay operator to facilitate a call with 8-1-1.
BC Health Service Locator App | HealthLink BC
Find health services, view the latest health alerts in your area, call 8-1-1 and find quick links to emergency contacts using the BC Health Service Locator App. The App helps you find walk-in clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, immunization locations, pharmacies and laboratory services near you. HealthLink BC created this App to help you access health service information from your mobile device. All the information in the App is also on our website.
211 British Columbia
211 is a free and confidential service that connects people to helpful and vital resources in their community. We provide information and referral to a broad range of community, government, and social services that assist with:
- basic needs like food and shelter,
- mental health and addictions support,
- legal and financial assistance,
- support for seniors, and much more.
Pathways, Divisions of Family Practice, British Columbia
Pathways | Welcome to Pathways (pathwaysbc.ca)
Medical Care Directory:
Information about doctors and medical clinics in BC.
Community Service Directory:
Publicly available services and programs, in participating communities.
Crisis support
Crisis Centre BC
The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC (Crisis Centre) is a non-profit, volunteer organization committed to helping people help themselves and others deal with crises. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-SUICIDE or call your local crisis centre If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide.
Volunteering at the Crisis Centre
Greater Vancouver has a rich and diverse community of committed and talented individuals who are passionate about helping others. The Crisis Centre trains and supports these regular yet extraordinary individuals who share their skills as volunteers in administration portfolios, on the phone lines and in chat rooms, in classroom and community events, and in training rooms at the Centre.
Hospital foundations and medical support services
Richmond Hospital Foundation
About Us - Richmond Hospital Foundation
Founded in 1987, Richmond Hospital Foundation is a registered charity committed to ensuring donor dollars have an impact on building a better and healthier future for Richmond. At Richmond Hospital Foundation, joy is at the very heart of the work we do. We inspire joyful giving, because to give joyfully is to know that you are part of the solution. You are part of something bigger than yourself. You are helping your loved ones, your friends, your neighbours and your colleagues – you are a driver of health and prosperity.
Volunteer With Us - Richmond Hospital Foundation
Richmond Hospital Foundation is fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate team of volunteers who generously give their time and understand the importance of building a healthier future for Richmond. With more than 350 volunteers contributing nearly 2,000 hours in the last year, volunteers play a critical role in supporting the Foundation and helping us achieve our goals. These wonderful individuals are dedicated to helping their loved ones, friends, neighbours and colleagues. Our volunteers are drivers of health in our health community and are coming together to create a life well-lived. We are so grateful for their commitment and energy!
We are looking for volunteers who are comfortable working in an office environment to provide administrative support and gift processing. We are also looking for individuals who are available to support our signature events. During this time it is challenging for us to fill volunteer positions. Check back regularly for future volunteer opportunities in office administration, gift processing, and events. For additional information or inquiries, contact us at 604.244.5252 or send us an email info@richmondhospitalfoundation.com
Richmond Hospital Healthcare Auxiliary
Home 2 - Richmond Hospital/Healthcare Auxiliary (rhhaux.ca)
BRIEF HISTORY - In the early 1960s, the “Richmond Auxiliary to the Hospital”, later the “Richmond General Hospital Auxiliary” grew from a group of interested citizens with a goal of raising money to assist with the building of a hospital in Richmond. Approximately 16 various Auxiliary subgroups formed across Richmond and conducted a multitude of fundraising activities towards the cost of the building. The Richmond General Hospital opened in 1966 and, over the years, the Auxiliary, now the “Richmond Hospital/Healthcare Auxiliary”, continues to support the hospital.
Home 2 - Richmond Hospital/Healthcare Auxiliary (rhhaux.ca)
Volunteers: JOIN US! WE NEED YOU! YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Reach out and help - Develop new skills - Meet new friends
Do you have a few hours to spare each week (or even once a month) to volunteer? Volunteers from teens (16) to seniors are needed. You can pick your days, your hours and the place you want to work. Come and join our awesome crew of red coat volunteers! We welcome volunteers who can speak a second language such as French, Mandarin, Spanish, Dutch, etc. There are many ways you can get involved and be part of our volunteer team!
Heart of Richmond AIDS Society
About Us – Heart of Richmond AIDS Society
Beginning as a weekly support group, The Heart of Richmond was founded following meetings with a number of people in the community who were living with HIV/AIDS or were involved as a family member, friend or caregiver. The Heart of Richmond was incorporated as a society and designated as a charitable organization in 1997.
One of our proudest achievements has been the creation, in partnership with Richmond Health Services, of the Gilwest Clinic — a fully staffed HIV/AIDS Clinic at Richmond Hospital.
OUR MISSION: To reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals and our community through support, prevention and education. OUR VALUES:
- Respect
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Inclusivity
- Commitment
- Honesty
- Community
- Making a difference
Volunteer – The Heart of Richmond AIDS Society
Join us in working towards a community where people living with HIV/AIDS are free to live purposeful and actively engaged lives in an accepting, inclusive community. Share your time, skills, and energy in this immensely rewarding experience with the members of The Heart of Richmond AIDS Society (HORAS). We invite you to join our wonderful community ambassadors to help generate awareness our goals, services, and needs.
BEING A PART OF OUR TEAM IS ALSO A GREAT WAY TO:
- Obtain personal satisfaction
- Gain insight into the non-profit sector and the care, treatment, and support of people living with HIV/AIDS.
- Learn and/or improve on-the-job and transferable skills
- Improve self-confidence through meeting and working with a variety of people in different situations.
- Have a fun, fulfilling, and meaningful time
TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER:
Fill out the attached application form and email it to admin@heartofrichmond.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VOLUNTEERING, PLEASE CONTACT:
Volunteer Services, T: 604-277-5137 E: admin@heartofrichmond.com
Freemason's Cancer Car Program ... making good men better since 1913
Volunteer Opportunities with Freemasons Cancer Car Program (vancouver68.com)
Volunteer drivers in clean late-model cars provide safe, friendly transportation for those who need it! The Freemasons Cancer Car Program has been operating for over 25 years driving people with cancer to and from their homes and primary cancer treatment centers in the Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and Richmond areas. This program is offered free of charge to these people. We offer the program in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society. The clients who use our service really appreciate the door to door service and the added value of not having to take public transport especially when they are not feeling well after treatments. Our seven car Vancouver program runs five days a week out of our office at the corner of Ash and Tenth Avenue (Jean Barber Lodge). Our service runs two five hour shifts per day.
Who do we need: Anyone with a valid BC driver license and willing to drive people in our fleet of cars for one five-hour shift per week. Time commitment: five hours a week. Benefits:
- Volunteering helps give back to the community and help those in greatest need
- Great people to work with – our volunteers are all helpful and willing to share
- Free lunch and parking
- Ride along training provided
Location: Our computer dispatch office is located at 10th and Ash very close to bus and skytrain lines (one block from Broadway and Cambie)
Vancouver Coastal Health
Volunteer - Vancouver Coastal Health (vch.ca)
Every day Vancouver Coastal Health volunteers make someone's day brighter. Our volunteers support patients, clients and residents in communities across the North Shore, Powell River, Richmond, Sea-to-Sky, Sunshine Coast and Vancouver.
Why volunteer with us? Volunteers complement the care provided by professional staff. As a volunteer, you can gain personal satisfaction from helping others, obtain experience relevant to your future employment or educational plans, meet new people and learn more about the health care system.
How much time do I need to commit? As a general rule, we ask volunteers to commit to two to three hours per week on a regular day for a minimum of four months. The minimum volunteer commitment may be greater than 4 months depending on the site and the volunteer position of interest to you.
Apply to volunteer - Contact or apply to the Volunteer Resources department in the area where you wish to volunteer. The volunteer application process may take 4-8 weeks and includes a Ministry of Justice criminal record check initiated by VCH Volunteer Resources, personal interview reference checks, and an orientation/training session.
RICHMOND - Includes Richmond Hospital, Minoru Residence Extended Care, Richmond Lions Manor Intermediate Care, Richmond Lions Park Housing, Richmond Health Department and Richmond Mental Health.
Address: 7000 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC
Phone: (604) 244-5310 Fax: (604) 244-5451 Email: volunteer@vch.ca
Ronald MacDonald House Charities
About Us - Ronald McDonald House Charities (rmhcslc.org)
Since 1988 Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Intermountain Area has been keeping families close in a place that feels like home – providing stability and resources when they need it most. The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Intermountain Area (RMHC) is to surround families with the support they need to be near and care for their seriously ill or injured children. We provide a home-away-from-home to ease daily burdens and empower families of hospitalized children with meaningful experiences and quality time together.
Volunteer - Ronald McDonald House Charities (rmhcslc.org)
The impact our volunteers have cannot adequately be described with words. From the house to the family rooms, at special events and even off site they are making our mission possible by dedicating their time and talents; making families stronger and RMHC better. Explore the many ways, individuals, groups, businesses and other organizations are getting involved to make our house a home-away-from-home.
Canadian Red Cross
About the Canadian Red Cross - Canadian Red Cross
Our Mission: We help people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and support them in strengthening their resilience.
Our vision: The Canadian Red Cross is the leading humanitarian organization through which people voluntarily demonstrate their caring for others in need.
Volunteer With Us – Canadian Red Cross - Canadian Red Cross
We rely on volunteers from all walks of life who bring different skills and experience to the Canadian Red Cross. From helping during emergencies and disasters, to sitting on committees and project teams or providing customer services and office support, as a volunteer, you can make a big difference in your community. We rely on volunteers from all walks of life. Skills and experience you already have can be an asset in a range of volunteer roles. If you're looking to learn new skills, make meaningful connections, and improve the lives of vulnerable Canadians, you're bound to find a rewarding role for you. You could help communities in Canada recover and rebuild from large-scale disasters and emergencies or you could help an individual or family who has lost their home in a fire. There are opportunities to volunteer with the elderly or isolated in your community or you can even join thousands of others in helping our operations team digitally map vulnerable geographical areas.
Apply Now - Canadian Red Cross
SEARCH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Service roles (involves client interaction) / Support roles (behind the scenes)
Health Equipment Loan Program and Transportation
Discover Volunteer Roles for You - Canadian Red Cross
Personal Disaster Team volunteers respond to small disasters such as house fires. You will assess immediate needs, provide access to services such as shelter, food and comfort, and facilitate access to community resources. You may be called upon to support larger disaster events if you are available.
Health Equipment Loan Program - Canadian Red Cross
The Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP), provides health equipment to individuals recovering from illness or injury, and empowers people to live with independence and dignity. Like a prescription, healthcare professionals refer clients to the Canadian Red Cross and health equipment is selected to safely meet the needs of each individual. HELP is a volunteer-supported, community-based service made possible through the support of, provincial governments, health authorities, donations of used equipment, donor contributions, and the efforts of thousands of volunteers and professional staff. Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Programs operate in B.C., Alberta, New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the Yukon territory.
HELP also plays an important role in the diversion of used equipment otherwise destined for landfill.
TETRA Society of North America
Home - Tetra Society of North America
At Tetra, our focus is to find solutions to environmental barriers faced by people with disabilities. While these environmental barriers are a part of a person’s journey, we believe Tetra solutions help foster greater independence, quality of life, and inclusion. Tetra recruits volunteers who work with clients to design and build assistive devices that are custom-made for the individual – these are devices that are either not available commercially or cost-prohibitive.
As a non-profit organization, Tetra raises funds to deliver this program, including covering the costs of volunteer travel and materials for devices up to $500 per project. The scope of Tetra projects is just as diverse as the clients we work with. The work Tetra does addresses needs in different areas of a person’s life.
Volunteer - Tetra Society of North America
Every day we see the power of community: bringing together individuals who want to overcome a barrier with those who want to help out. Our volunteers get as much from the process as do participants. There’s a wide age-range of people sharing their talents via our charitable societies, from students through to retirees, and all sorts of skills and backgrounds. What’s common is people sharing something they love – access to leisure, social or employment opportunities – and a belief that communities can be fair and accessible.
Contact us to talk more about opportunities.
Pacific Region - Tetra Society of North America
Vancouver volunteers are offering classes for anyone with a disability interested in learning how to use woodworking in the workshop equipment to produce craft projects. Launched in 2011, the Tetra Woodworking Shop project is helping people with significant mobility limitations to make beautiful arts and crafts, handy items like bookshelves, footstools and ballpoint pens, and fun ones like birdhouses and planters. Participants discover new skills and hobbies and have fun at the same time.
Tetra Woodworking Shop, in Vancouver - YouTube
Video of Tetra Woodworking Shop featuring workshop participants
Health and wellness support
BC Healthy Living Alliance
Who We Are | BC Healthy Living Alliance
The BC Alliance for Healthy Living Society (BCAHL) is a group of organizations that came together with a mission to improve the health of British Columbians. Through leadership and collaborative action, BCAHL advances health promoting policies, programs and environments that support the physical and mental well-being of British Columbians. Operating since 2003 as the BC Healthy Living Alliance, on June 1, 2017, the alliance was incorporated as a society and our name changed to the BC Alliance for Healthy Living Society. Collectively, BCAHL members capture the attention of over 40,000 volunteers, 4,300 health and recreation professionals and 184 local governments across British Columbia. As an advocacy group, we work with government and hold them accountable to promote wellness and prevent chronic disease.
Webinars | BC Healthy Living Alliance
BCAHL Blog | BC Healthy Living Alliance
Government of Canada - Health
provides information on such topics as recalls and advisories, healthy living initiatives, and the Healthy Living Guides (Canada Food Guide and Physical Activity Guide).
Canada Health Infoway
Learn About Virtual Care | Canada Health Infoway (infoway-inforoute.ca)
What is Virtual Care? Virtual Care is any interaction between a patient and health care practitioner that doesn't involve direct contact. Virtual care includes video visits, telephone consultations and secure messaging (text messaging or emailing with a practitioner)
Healthy Families BC
A cross-government health promotion initiative that seeks to improve the health of British Columbians by taking steps to address common risk factors and reduce chronic disease.
interCultural Online Network (iCON)
https://digem.med.ubc.ca/projects/iconold/
iCON offers in-person and technology-supported multicultural community education on health literacy and chronic disease management. Culturally appropriate materials are presented by health care providers in the patients’ first language, mostly for Chinese and South Asian people.
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines
FETCH – For Everything That’s Community Health. Division of Family Practice.
https://divisionsbc.ca/node/1549
FETCH is "For Everything That's Community Health”. It is an online searchable directory with health resources across the South Island – Victoria, Sooke, the Western Communities and the Saanich Peninsula. It's free and easy to use. Service providers can edit their own information in real time, ensuring content and contacts are up-to-date and accurate. Can I list my service in FETCH? If your service meets FETCH criteria, we’re happy to invite you to join. View our criteria here. Who uses FETCH? FETCH was developed for family physicians, medical office assistants and other health care providers to find services to help their patients. We also invite the public to use the site to find information.
Peer support, self-help and wellness
Self-management British Columbia.
Welcome to Self-Management BC. GAIN KNOWLEDGE + SKILLS + CONFIDENCE
Self-Management BC, supported by the Province of British Columbia, offers FREE health programs for adults of all ages with one or more ongoing health conditions. Programs are offered in person, virtually, online, by telephone, or by mail for adults living in BC.
What are chronic conditions? Chronic conditions are broadly defined as long-term conditions and require ongoing medical care and lifestyle changes to manage and control.
What is self-management? Self-management means having the skills and confidence to live well with one or more chronic conditions. You can view a video, "Staying Happy, Healthy, and Active Between Visits to the Doctor," by Dr. Kate Lorig of the Self-Management Resource Center.
BCSM - - Self-Management BC Programs (selfmanagementbc.ca)
Self-management means having the skills and confidence to live well with one or more chronic conditions. Examples of skills include problem-solving, decision-making, and action planning (an approach to moving towards your goal). To learn more about self-management, view the BC Ministry of Health video, "Self-Managing and Self-Management Support." Self-Management BC offers a menu of self-management programs available to British Columbians virtually, online, by telephone and by mail. Programs are for adults of all ages living with one or more ongoing health conditions, and participation is free. Click on a health condition on the left to learn more.
BCSM - - Chronic Pain (selfmanagementbc.ca)
Chronic Pain is pain that is ongoing and usually last longer than 3 months. The following program formats are designed for people living with Chronic Pain.
BCSM - - Cancer (selfmanagementbc.ca)
The following program formats are designed for people who are living with and/or have been affected by cancer.
BCSM - - Chronic Conditions (selfmanagementbc.ca)
Chronic conditions are broadly defined as conditions that are long-term and require ongoing medical care and lifestyle changes to manage and control. Examples of chronic conditions include arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, and depression.
BCSM - - Diabetes Self-Management Program (selfmanagementbc.ca)
The following program formats are designed specifically for persons experiencing Type 2 Diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes have also found benefit.
A schedule of upcoming workshops is available by region.
The Introduction of Chinese Self-Management Programs and Schedule of Upcoming Programs (July and August 2023) can be downloaded here.
BCSM - - Become a Volunteer (selfmanagementbc.ca)
What volunteer roles are there? All Self-Management BC programs are delivered by peer volunteers. At this time, we have two opportunities open:
- Coach for the Health Coach Program - providing support by telephone, approximately 30 minutes once per week for a period of 13 weeks (3 months).
- Leader for the Chronic Conditions Self-Management Program - delivering health education virtually or in-person, using an evidence-based scripted program, 2.5 hours once per week for 6 weeks.
Here is a comparison of the two opportunities.
Who can become a volunteer? Any adult 19 years and older who is interested in supporting people with chronic conditions. Favourable volunteer attributes include:
- Non-judgmental and open to new ideas
- Responsible, respected and trustworthy
- Committed to helping others
- Willing to listen, learn new skills and be a healthy role model
- Committed to the philosophy of the program
- Proficient in both speaking and reading English
What are the benefits of becoming a volunteer? You will:
- Learn facilitation skills
- Learn techniques and strategies you can use in your own life
- Share in other people’s successes
You will be provided with thorough training and ongoing support from staff at Self-Management BC.
Health Coach Program.
https://selfmanagementbc.ca/healthcoachprogram
Health Coaches and participants are paired based on gender, age and/or shared chronic health condition(s). Coaches connect with participants by telephone, once a week for 30 minutes, for a period of three months to support participants who would like to:
- Choose goals and actions they want to take to better manage their health
- Identify and problem-solve barriers to being healthier
- Become more self-confident
- Be motivated to initiate and maintain health-behaviour changes
Health Coaches provide a dimension of support that complements and enhances professional health care; they do not provide medical or clinical advice or treatment. The Health Coach and the participant each receive a copy of the "Living a Healthy Life" book to use during the three months.
Community Resources. Self Management BC.
https://selfmanagementbc.ca/CommunityResources
Links to government and non-governmental organizations provincially, nationally and internationally that can help you to “Live a Healthy Life” while managing chronic health conditions.
PeerNet BC
The PeerNet Association of BC (PeerNetBC), formerly known as the Self Help Resource Association (SHRA), is a registered non-profit and charitable organization across the ceded and unceded Indigenous territories now known as British Columbia, Canada. At PeerNetBC, we take the initiative in fostering shared values of inclusive community development. Learn more about our values here. We are invested in our mission to provide training, resources, and support to peer-led initiatives across BC, fostering opportunities for people to learn and unlearn with each other and make connections through play, story, and heart.
Managing a chronic illness can be more complicated than we might think.
CBC Podcasts · Posted: Jun 23, 2020 10:43 AM ET | Last Updated: July 7, 2020