Media stories for the week of Aug. 12 – 16

August 12

Coliform-level rise prompts safety warning at two beaches
The Province
According to a VCH report, contamination levels at two Vancouver beaches have reached unsafe levels for swimming or wading.

Swimming advisory for Sunset and Second Beaches
Global BC
Due to a high level of bacteria in the water at the Sunset and Second Beaches in Vancouver’s West End, the Vancouver Coastal Health authority has issued a swimming advisory.

High bacteria counts prompt West End beach advisories
CKNW
VCH is advising people to avoid swimming at Second and Sunset beaches until further notice. With quotes from Anna Marie D’Angelo, spokesperson for VCH.

Three building and design teams shortlisted for $82-million VGH mental health centre
Vancouver Sun
Three building and design teams have been shortlisted to submit proposals for the Joseph & Rosalie Segal Family Health Centre at VCH’s Vancouver General Hospital.

Struggling in the shadows
Richmond Review
Richmond has the second highest child poverty rate in B.C. With quotes from Dr. James Lu, VCH’s medical health officer in Richmond.

Quit pooping in the water: Vancouver Coastal Health
24 Hours Vancouver
Quit pooping in the water. That was the message of VCH Thursday as the authority is planning to launch a campaign targeted at boaters who dump their toilet reservoirs overboard as water quality at Sunset Beach continues to decline. Quotes from Paul Markey, VCH environment health manager.

Game holds clues to mental illness
The Province
After staring into the eyes of schizophrenia patients, a University of B.C. researcher says she may be on the path to eventually finding new ways to treat the mental illness through using a simple video game.