Nanaimo Public Health

05/12/2026

Get trusted pregnancy guidance by text. Island Health provides free access to SmartParent - text messages timed to your pregnancy or your baby’s age. Text SMARTPARENT to 12323 to join. More info at Home - https://smartparentcanada.ca/

05/08/2026

Not sure if you or your child are up to date on the HPV vaccine?
The vaccine is recommended and free for people:
• 9 to 26 years of age (inclusive)
• 27 to 45 years of age (inclusive) who are:
o Men who identify as gay or bis*xual or have s*x with men
o Two-Spirit, transgender and/or non-binary
o Living with HIV
• Who were treated for abnormal changes to the cervix after a colposcopy on or after July 31, 2025.

Talk to your health-care provider, pharmacy or public health unit to book.
Get started: https://ow.ly/wYtg50YT0aA

05/07/2026

All people who are pregnant and their families can get support from Public Health Nurses throughout their pregnancy and after – register at www.islandhealth.ca/pregnancy

To all of our incredible existing partners, and to those who have newly joined our global movement - thank you

Thank you for standing with us, for lending your voices, sharing your stories, hosting events, sparking conversations, and helping shine a light on maternal mental health for

Because of this community, millions more people are hearing a message that matters: no mother should suffer in silence

But our work doesn’t end here. This movement continues, and so does our call to action. Let’s keep using our voices, our platforms, and our collective influence to drive awareness, challenge stigma, and create meaningful change for mothers and families everywhere

It’s not quite over yet… head to our website (link in bio) to explore the full list of events still taking place in honour of and Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week

Together, our voices are powerful. Together, we create change. Together, we are stronger

05/06/2026

04/29/2026

04/27/2026

Spring COVID-19 vaccine appointments are now available to adults 80 years and older, Indigenous people 70 years and older, residents of long-term care homes and assisted living facilities, and people six months and older diagnosed with significant immunocompromising conditions.

Notifications to book appointments are being sent out to adults 65 and older who are registered in the Get Vaccinated system, beginning April 22, 2026. People will be able to get immunized as part of the spring COVID immunization program until July 31, 2026. If you have questions about the spring COVID vaccine, call 1-833-838-2323.

04/24/2026

Do you know a youth looking to grow and explore future career paths?

Youth volunteers Ava, Eren, Liv, Sierra and their fellow student volunteers are making a meaningful impact through the Step Up Youth program. From supporting patients to exploring future careers in healthcare, they’re showing what’s possible close to home.

Applications for fall intake are open until May 15. Apply today! islandhealth.ca/stepupyouth

Read more about their experience as the first group of volunteers in Port McNeill: https://ow.ly/jQOA50YP720

04/15/2026

10 years after B.C. declared the toxic drug crisis a public health emergency, the impact is still being felt in communities across the region.

Beth Haywood, an Island Health peer, is bringing together other peers in a new community of practice, sharing knowledge, building connection, and strengthening support with one another.

If you or someone you know needs support with substance use, call Access Central at 1-888-885-8824 or visit islandhealth.ca/addiction-care. Crisis support is available 24/7.