Patient Resources

These are some links we think you might find useful:

HealthLink BC

8-1-1 is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia. The 811 phone line is operated by HealthLink BC, which is part of the Ministry of Health.

At HealthLinkBC, you will find medically-approved information on more than 5,000 health topics, symptoms, medications, and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You can also search their online Directory to find health services in your area.

BC Help Line: 2-1-1

2-1-1 is a free-of-charge provincial information and advice phone line available in British Columbia. The 211 phone line can be accessed by calling or texting to find help for all of life’s challenges. It is free and confidential and available in over 240 languages and dialects. This information line is meant to connect you to your local resources anywhere in BC to assist with anything from emotional support, to shelter lists, seniors support and more. You can also search the directory of resources by going online to bc.211.ca. 

Suicide Crisis Help Line: 9-8-8

People across Canada can call and text 9-8-8, a new three-digit service, for help when they need it most. It is a free service that you can call or text and will never get a busy signal and someone will be there to support you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service offers trauma-informed and culturally affirming support to anyone who is thinking of suicide, or who is worried about someone they know.  While the focus of 9-8-8 is on suicide prevention, no one who reaches out to the service will be turned away. Whoever you are, wherever you are located in Canada, by calling or texting 9-8-8 you can connect with a trained responder who’s ready to listen without judgement and may be able to suggest resources in your community.

Pathways – Cowichan Valley

Pathways is a free community service directory that helps patients access information about local Community Services and Healthcare Services.

Mental Health

Duncan Mental Health and Substance Use has a Rapid Access Clinic meant for adult single session access services for those in need. It is a drop in service Monday to Friday from 10:00am – 2:00pm. They are located at 3088 Gibbins Road. For more information you can call  250-709-3040.

The Canadian Mental Health Association offers mental health information and resources on a variety of mental health and substance use and addiction topics. Local resources can be accessed here.

AnxietyBC™ allows you to access online, self-help, and evidence-based resources on anxiety and anxiety disorders with useful links and information for individuals of all ages.

Bounce Back is a cognitive behaviorally-based, guided self-help, mood-improvement program for adults and youth with mild to moderate depression and anxiety.

Vancouver Island Crisis Society: 1-888-494-3888 is a 24 hour Vancouver Island Crisis Line that can be reached any time to provide short term nonjudgemental support, crisis intervention, information and local resources. They also offer Crisis text services from your mobile phone at 250-800-3806 available from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. 

Disability Alliance BC:  an online tool to help you determine if you may qualify for a disability tax credit. If you believe you do, please complete this online tool, print the results and bring them to your appointment with your doctor to discuss. Tool can be found here. 

Child and Youth Mental Health

Child and Youth Mental Health Intake Clinic for Families in The Cowichan Region – CYMH intake clinics provide a range of assessment and treatment options for children, youth (0-19 yrs) and their families. The programs are designed to support children and youth who are experiencing significant difficulties related to their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This is a self referral program that begins by attending the CMYH intake clinic for a screening interview which is available on a drop-in basis on Tuesdays 9:00am – 11:00am and 1:00pm – 3:00pm. No appointment is necessary. They are located at 161 Fourth Street in Duncan. For more information you can call  250-715-2715. 

Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre – helps families across the province navigate the mental health system, listen and offer peer support, and connect them to resources and tools. Many of these resources can also be found on their website.

Rolling with ADHD – A FREE 8-module series that covers practical tools and strategies for caregivers of children with ADHD and includes what research shows really works for kids and families living with ADHD.

Addictions Services for Youth and their Families:

QuitNow

QuitNow is a free smoking cessation program, funded by the BC Ministry of Health and Managed by the BC Lung Association. They are there to help you quit and understand what happens when you stop smoking through chat and phone support as well as through text and web support . To be successful it is important to be prepared, learn your triggers, manage your cravings and choose the right supports!

Counselling and Developmental Resources for Children

Sundrops Centre for Child Development is a great resource for children who are at risk for, or have a developmental delay or disability. They provide development consultation, including speech and language, as well as physical and occupational therapy to children under 5. They also provide child and family support programs for school age children.

Families in Transition is a resource for families going through divorces. It is a support out of Victoria that includes everything from affordable counselling to legal support.

Sexual Health

From talking about sex, to lifestyle choices, to contraception awareness and sexually transmitted infections, Sexuality and U provides accurate, credible, and up-to-date information and education on topics related to sexual and reproductive health put out by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada.

Cardiovascular Health

Hypertension is a risk factor for heart attacks and strokes and can affect many aspects of your health.  There are many things you can do to reduce your blood pressure. Find out more at Hypertension and You. For more information on your heart health check out the American Heart Association.

BC Alzheimer Society First Link® Program

First Link is an early intervention service designed to connect individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia with services and support as soon as possible after diagnosis. 

Better at Home

Funded by the Government of BC, is a program that offers simple services such as friendly visits, yard work, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, home repair, snow removal and transportation to appointments. The services are non-medical in nature, and intended to supplement services provided by community health workers. Better at Home services will be delivered by a local social service agency and staffed by a mix of paid and volunteer workers. Find out more about Better at Home >

Travel vaccination information

For anyone looking to travel overseas, be sure to check out what vaccinations you may require to visit that country. All this information can be found on the CDC website. Be sure to check into this early to give you enough time to get the immunizations you require. Check with your doctor as many of these immunizations may not be offered in our clinic.