BC FORUM News

HealthLink BC - 811 - is here to help

Posted May 13, 2020

Did you know, there is a FREE, 24/7 service that you can talk to a health service navigator or a nurse practitioner about your health concerns? Introducing HealthLink BC.

HealthLink BC provides reliable non-emergency health information and advice in British Columbia. Information and advice are available by telephone, our·website, a mobile app and a collection of print resources. Through our programs and services, you can get the information you need to make·decisions for yourself. With our website and telephone service, information is available wherever you want it, any time of the day or night, every day of the year.

HealthLinkBC and Our Support during COVID-19

HealthLink BC is supporting the residents of British Columbia with several services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool, as well as additional telephone support services from nurses for COVID-19 related phone calls and updated real-time information within our COVID-19 Health Feature.

Importance of Physical Distancing

As part of the initiative to stop the spread of COVID-19, health officials are asking everyone to practice physical distancing. Physical distancing from others is essential. Staying away from others is the only way to keep people from getting the disease. No community is immune. COVID-19 can spread by people who have minimal symptoms, and while someone who seems healthy, could spread it to parents, grandparents or other people in our community. As we encourage British Columbians to stay home, we are also encouraging people to practice physical distancing in residential homes and communities as much as possible.

If you must be out and about, please follow these simple tips to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands regularly

• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth

• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing

• Keep a physical distance of about 2 metres between yourself and others

• Avoid handshakes (wave instead)

• Go to the grocery store only once a week or less

• Use public transportation at off-peak times

• Send one household member on errands to reduce the number of potential exposures

• Do not have visitors

• Wear a mask if you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing). If you are not sick, it may be less helpful to wear a mask.

Our Products and Services

HealthLink BC brought together some of British Columbia's most trusted and recognized health information services.

8-1-1

You may call HealthLinkBC at·8-1-1·toll-free in B.C., or for the deaf and the hard of hearing, call·7-1-1. You will connect with an English-speaking health service navigator, who can provide health and health service information and connect you with:

• Dietitian Services: speak to a registered dietitian from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time, Monday to Friday

• Nursing Services: speak to a registered nurse any time, every day of the year for non-emergency, confidential health education and advice

• Pharmacist Services: speak to a pharmacist from 5 pm to 9 am Pacific Time every day of the year

• Physical Activity Services: speak to a qualified exercise professional from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time, Monday to Friday

Translation services are available in more than 130 languages. For service in another language, say the language you want (for example, say “Punjabi”), and an interpreter will join the call. Any one of these healthcare professionals will help you get the information you need to manage your health concerns or those of your friends and family.

www.healthlinkbc.ca

Our website - www.healthlinkbc.ca – provides you access to medically-approved information on more than 5,000 health and nutrition topics, symptoms, and interactive health tools and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our HealthLinkBC Directory, available on our website, also offers an integrated search and mapping function to more than 6,100 health services to help British Columbians find health services close to their home communities. You can access this health information from your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.

Guidebooks and Resources

You can order guidebooks and resources, including the Healthy Eating for Seniors Guide, the Move for Life DVD and posters on reducing sodium and sugary drinks.