PATIENT RESOURCES

Looking for health care & community resources? We've compiled this list to help patients - both those who currently have a family practitioner and those who don't - to navigate what's out there. Here you’ll find links to helpful resources + downloadable tools on a number of health topics.

Register to find a Family Practitioner in Kootenay Boundary

The Health Connect Registry is a region-wide patient registry for people who are looking for a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Once registered, you’ll be added to the list in chronological order & contacted directly when a primary care provider is available. kbhcr.ca >

Walk-in & Urgent Care

For the most up-to-date local information visit our clinics & hospital listings page >

Virtual Primary Care Options

FIRST NATIONS VIRTUAL DOCTOR OF THE DAY

The Virtual Doctor of the Day program is open to all First Nations people & their families living in BC. The program includes doctors of Indigenous ancestry. All doctors & allied health care professionals are trained to follow the principles & practices of cultural safety & humility. Call 1-855-344-3800 to book an appointment. Click here to find out more >

HEALTH LINK BC VIRTUAL PHYSICIANS

HealthLink BC’s virtual physicians provide confidential health information & advice. Virtual physicians can be available to 8-1-1 callers after assessment by a Health Link registered nurse. Click here to find out more >

VIRTUAL HEALTH CARE PLATFORMS

*Various platforms are available with family practitioner appointments covered under BC MSP:

*Disclaimer the above list is intended to share options and is not exhaustive nor an endorsement or recommendation by KB Division of Family Practice.

Preventive Screening

KB Screen is a virtual clinic offering age-related routine screening for Kootenay Boundary residents who don’t currently have a primary care provider. Screen for colon, breast, cervical & lung cancer as well as abdominal aortic aneurysm, HIV & syphilis. Learn more at kbscreen.ca >

Resource List for Accessing Care in Kootenay Boundary

A listing of health care resources to support Kootenay Boundary patients who don't currently have a primary care provider - from the 'See Your Pharmacist' program to MSP-covered virtual primary care options, screening services & more - this list can help to navigate & access care. Explore the Resource List >

Dr. Belinda's Quick Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Medical Appointments

These quick tips > can help you get the most out of appointments with your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner. They’re great ways to make appointments successful for you, your practitioner & your clinic.

"We know things are challenging for many people at the moment due to the lack of family practitioners in our communities. These tips are small things that each of us can do, or get help from our friends/loved ones to do. They will support your own care, and they will help relieve some of the pressure on our primary care system." – Dr. Belinda van der Berg

Your local pharmacist is an important part of your health care team

BC Pharmacists can assess & prescribe for 21 minor ailments (including uncomplicated urinary tract infections, allergies & much more). This service is free to all BC residents with a Personal Health Number. Pharmacist can also prescribe for contraception, smoking cessation & emergency refills. Book an appointment online or walk-in. seeyourpharmacist.ca >

Screening Saves Lives

Screening can prevent cancer or help catch it in its earliest stages, allowing more treatment options and a better chance of recovery. BC Cancer has province-wide screening programs for breast, cervical, colon and lung cancer. bccancer.bc.ca/screening >

NEW Cervix Self Screening

There's new way to screen for cervical cancer that can be done wherever you feel most comfortable. Cervix self-screening is an alternative to the Pap for routine screening. It’s accurate & convenient. Request a self screening kit by phone 1-877-702-6566 or online. bccancer.bc.ca/screening/cervix >

Health Link BC 8-1-1 Advice by Phone

Call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse, dietitian, pharmacist or exercise therapist for health advice; or connect with a service navigator for help to find a health care resource. Available 24/7. Find out more >

BC 2-1-1 Resource Navigators

Dial or text 2-1-1 to connect with a resource navigator for information & referrals to community & government services that can help with: mental health, basic needs like food & shelter, substance use, legal & financial assistance & much more. Not sure where to turn? Contact 2-1-1 or search their online database. bc.211.ca >

KB Fetch 'For Everything That's Community Health'

KB Fetch can help link you to the services you need in Kootenay Boundary. It’s a regional health & community services directory with information on programs & services located in, or serving, the region - including counseling & mental health supports, community-based programs & so much more. kb.fetchbc.ca >

KB Searchlight - Child & Youth Mental Health Directory

A directory of youth mental health & substance use programs, services & resources for Kootenay Boundary youth, families & supporters. 'KB Searchlight' can help link you to the right services in your local community. kootenayfamilyplace.org/kb-searchlight >

PATHWAYS Kootenay Boundary

Pathways Kootenay Boundary is a comprehensive online health & community resource directory that’s easily searchable to find support & services near you. kb.pathwaysbc.ca >

Circle of Indigenous Nations (COINS)

COINS provides cultural support & services to people in Kootenay Boundary. Their services are rooted in Indigenous practices that strengthen cultural connection & support holistic healing. Visit coinations.net to explore programs >

Patients can self-refer to the Aboriginal Health Coordinator

The Aboriginal Community Wellness Program supports Aboriginal people to access the health services they need. Coordinators assist people to navigate the health care system in various supportive & practical ways. They also help people to connect with traditional & cultural wellness supports. You can self refer here >

KB Cultural Safety - Patient Resources

A directory of resources, filterable by nation, to use in helping find health care supports patients' need for themselves, &/or their family. Includes programs, resources, counseling, dental, benefits & much more. kbculturalsafety.org/patients >

Resources for Adults

INTERIOR HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES (MHSU): MHSU aims to provide a safe space where you can be connected to the service or services that meet your needs. To self-refer, call 310-MHSU (6478) or visit your local MHSU Centre. interiorhealth.ca/services/access-mental-health-and-substance-use-services>
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (CMHA) BC: CMHA BC provides mental health & substance use resources, services & support.
cmha.bc.ca >
HERE TO HELP BC: Find quality mental health information, learn new skills, & connect with key resources in BC.
heretohelp.bc.ca >

Anxiety & Depression Skills Groups

BOUNCE BACK: Bounce Back is a free skill-building program designed to help adults & youth 13+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Learn skills to support your mental health with the help of a coach.
bouncebackbc.ca >
MIND SPACE BC: Mind Space BC offers free MSP-covered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills groups that are led by family physicians & offered virtually for BC residents. 93% of group participants report greater confidence in managing mental health symptoms.
cbtskills.ca >

Child & Youth Mental Health

KB SEARCHLIGHT: 'KB Searchlight' can help link you to the right services in your local community. It's a directory of youth mental health & substance use programs, services & resources for Kootenay Boundary youth, families & supporters.
kootenayfamilyplace.org/kb-searchlight >
FOUNDRY BC: Free & confidential support for young people, ages 12-24, both online & in-person in communities across BC.
foundrybc.ca >
KELTY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE CENTRE: Helps families across the province navigate the mental health system, connect with peer support, & access resources & tools to support well-being.
keltymentalhealth.ca >

Options for Sexual Health Clinics

Options clinics are inclusive spaces to access sexual & reproductive health care. Find a Kootenay Boundary clinic near you using their clinic finder. optionsforsexualhealth.org >

Get Checked Online STI Testing

An easy way to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without visiting a health care provider. It’s a free & confidential service offered by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC). Participating labs currently include Nelson BC. getcheckedonline.com >

West Kootenay Community TEETH Clinic

A not-for-profit clinic that offers high quality dental care for Kootenay-Boundary region low-income members including children, their families & seniors. teethclinicwk.ca >

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

A federal program aimed at easing financial barriers to accessing oral health care for eligible Canadian residents. Applications are currently opening in phases. Find out if you qualify & when you can apply.
canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html >

Interior Health Home & Community Care Services

Offers a variety of at-home & community services to seniors & people with acute, chronic, palliative or rehabilitative health care needs. Learn more >

Gender-Affirming Care

Gender Affirming Care: A ROAD MAP > is a resource booklet for Kootenay Boundary transgender, Two-Spirit, non-binary, gender diverse people & allies to help in navigating health care, services & support. It includes information, tools & resources on navigating health care, gender expression & social transitioning, community & peer supports & more.

Chronic Pain

1 in 5 Canadians lives with chronic pain. If you or someone you love is living with pain, you’re not alone. There are resources and supports to help. Our Living Well With Chronic Pain > page & 'Managing Pain Together Toolkit' highlights resources recommended by patients living with pain & health care providers, as well as a link to a region-wide listing of health care providers with expertise and knowledge in working with pain.

Palliative Care

Have you, or someone you love, recently been given a life-limiting diagnosis? These Patient Resource and Service guides have been developed by Dr. Lilli Kerby, Dr. Lisa Sawyer, and Dr. Trevor Janz, Palliative Care Physician Leads, with the support of KB Division of Family Practice.

Health Frailty

The frailty journey can be roughly divided into early, middle, and late stages, then end of life. The Frailty Roadmap for Families > outlines the features of each stage, the signposts that tell you where you are on this road, and what may be coming up next. Included are questions that can help you clarify where you are, and suggestions about things we can do as a family and care team to give you or your loved one the best possible quality of life where they are right now.

Dementia

What can you expect when your loved one has dementia? The Roadmap for Families is a tool developed by Dr. Trevor Janz with the support of KB Division of Family Practice.

Poverty Resources

Do you ever have difficulty make ends meet at the end of the month? The Poverty Intervention Tool is a resource for both practitioners and patients. It also includes a great list of helpful community resources >