August 27th 2026 Newsletter
In this newsletter:
Emergency Preparedness Resources
Mental Health Supports and Wildfires
Wildfires have a real impact on the mental wellbeing of individuals experiencing evacuation, increased exposure to smoke, and concern about their friends, families, and communities. There are resources to help.
Resources
A great place to start is the Help Starts Here portal, providing information about a variety of supports in B.C., available here: HelpStartsHere
A broader list of services are listed here: Mental health and substance use services - Province of British Columbia.
Specific services for those after emergencies are listed here: Stay safe and healthy in an emergency - Province of British Columbia
People can reach the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258, which is open with extended hours and increased staffing levels.
Disaster psychosocial support is available at reception centres in Kelowna and Penticton to provide emotional support, coping strategies and connections to additional mental-health resources
Ways to Help Summerland-area Evacuees
If you would like, and have the means, to help those experiencing evacuations and victims of the fires in Summerland, below are some reputable places which are accepting donations.
United Way B.C. Wildfire Recovery Fund. According to United Way, donations support people with both immediate relief and long-term recovery. The funding might support food and water, hygiene kits, emergency supplies, gift cards, mental health supports, temporary accommodations, outreach, and other resources.
Canadian Red Cross 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal. These donations are used to provide “immediate and ongoing relief, recovery, and resilience efforts in response to the wildfires,” according to the Canadian Red Cross. They also use funds for community preparedness and risk reduction for future disaster events, as well as to support “mobilization” of response and community partners.
Community Foundation of South Okanagan Similkameen’s SOS Wildfire Response Fund. The community foundation states that all funds will stay within the South Okanagan region and directly support affected residents. They said they will release further details about how they will deliver support “when time permits.”
Make Your Emergency Ready Plan
In an emergency, do you know what your first steps would be? Being prepared includes not only having a great emergency kit with physical items to help you, but also having a detailed plan with your family, friends and neighbours to know where you will be, what you will do, and who to call if you need help.
Free emergency preparedness guides are available at PreparedBC, in both PDF format and as a web app. If you prefer paper copies, I have them available in my office, at 115-4011 Bayview Street, Richmond.
For online guides and emergency information, visit:
For wildfire safety, there is an additional guide with specific information about wildfires that can be found:
Reducing Health Risks from Wildfire Smoke
Use the Air Quality Health Index (AGHI) or AQmap.ca to stay up to date on local and regional air-quality conditions. The best way to reduce short-term and long-term health risks from wildfire smoke is to reduce exposure – create a clean air space at home, avoid strenuous exercise, consider a well-fitted N95 mask.
N95 Masks are available through the Canadian Red Cross. Organizations in regions affected by wildfire smoke can sign up to receive N95 masks through Red Cross Canada here.
More information about wildfire smoke and masks can be found here: BC Gov News.
To check air quality in your area: AQmap
For more details about wildfire smoke exposure, and reducing your risk, visit: Wildfire Smoke
The Wildfire Preparedness guide from PreparedBC can be found: PreparedBC Wildfire Preparedness Guide
For more general information, visit:
Safe Summer Driving and Camping Information
It is wildfire season, and before you go, ensure to check road conditions, ensure to pack sun-smart, and be conscious of fire regulations and safety precautions.
It is also important to stay sun safe. On hot days, ensure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. More information about staying cool can be found at: Be prepared for extreme heat and drought - Province of British Columbia. If you prefer a paper copy of this guide, they are available at my constituency office at 115-4011 Bayview Street, Richmond.
To check road conditions and safety updates, visit: DriveBC
To check wildfire information and regions affected, visit: BC Wildfire Service
For practical information on reducing fire risk, visit: FireSmart BC
Always follow local fire restrictions, and details for each area can be found: Fire Prohibitions and Restrictions - Province of British Columbia
Days of Significance in August
National Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Vaccines offer safe and effective prevention from many diseases which can have serious impacts on your health. We all need to stand up to the rise of misinformation and disinformation around vaccines, and spread evidence-based information from health care practitioners and researchers. Vaccines save lives, and are critical for protecting us, and our community.
To learn more about national immunization awareness month, visit: National Immunization Awareness Month | immunizecanada
To learn about spotting misinformation and disinformation about vaccines, see: Evaluating vaccine information online | immunizecanada
For information about the B.C. immunization schedule, see: Immunizations - Province of British Columbia
To access your health records: Health Gateway
International Overdose Awareness Day--August 31st
August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. Overdose can affect anyone, any family, and any community. We reflect on the tragic losses to overdose around the world, and in our own community.
Overdose prevention is possible when we work together to improve awareness and understanding. Naloxone can reverse the effects of opioid overdose when administered, and these kits are free of charge at pharmacies across B.C. For information about naloxone, visit: Get a naloxone kit - Province of British Columbia
For more information about International Overdose Awareness Day, visit: International Overdose Awareness Day: 31 August
Know a Chinese speaker who wants to read government news more easily? Refer them to the official BC government Weibo - @卑诗省府GovernmentofBC 的个人主页 - 微博 (weibo.com)
For general BC vaccination info, visit this page.
To read and better prepare for household safety, visit PreparedBC webpage.
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