Dr. Evan Wood, head of addiction medicine at VCH, talks about the physiological effects of addiction on the brain from using addictive drugs.

A strong push by VCH to institute a widespread smoking ban in the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) fell flat last week when SCRD staff said the board only had authority to regulate smoking on its own property. With comments from Dr. Paul Martiquet, medical health officer at VCH.

A lengthy reevaluation of HIV government funding in BC has solidified funding for the Health Initiative for Men, whose programs were found to effectively reach men who have sex with men. With mention of VCH putting out a request for proposals under BC’s new HIV guidelines.

The Portland Hotel Society has name Ted Bruce, former executive director of Population Health at VCH, as its interim executive director.

The Portland Hotel Society has announced Ted Bruce, former executive director of Population Health at VCH, will be its new executive director.

The City of Vancouver is looking at ways to lessen the safety risks of undocumented immigrants. With mention of VCH working with the city to explore the option of declaring Vancouver a sanctuary zone for undocumented workers.

Immigration advocates are pushing for Vancouver to become the latest “sanctuary city” for undocumented immigrants in North America. With mention of city officials meeting with VCH and Vancouver police about a new policy.

Addicts who were prescribed heroin as part of a Providence Health Care clinical trial will be able to continue receiving the drug thanks to a B.C. Supreme Court decision.

Health researchers Drs. John Cairns and James Hogg are among the 25 recipients announced for the 2014 Order or BC.

The Lieutenant-Governor has announced the 25 recipients of the 2014 Order of British Columbia. They include Dr. John Cairns, a VCH heart disease researcher, Dr. James Hogg, a PHC lung disease researcher, and donor Leslie Diamond.