South Okanagan Similkameen
Community Resources
Health
Medical Organizations and Services
Advance Care Planning: My Voice
Expressing your wishes and instructions
for future health care treatment. By
planning ahead, you will have a voice
in your future decisions. Every capable
adult should make an advance care plan.
Download the provincial Advance Care
Planning Guide in English, Punjabi or
Simplified Chinese. Watch video.
Alcohol & Drug Information & Referral
Service
Certified information and referral
specialists respond to enquiries on all
aspects of alcohol and drug use and
misuse. 24/7 multilingual service
1.800.663.1441
Allergy / Asthma Information
Association
Improve quality of life for those affected by
allergy, asthma and anaphylaxis
4730 Redridge Road, Kelowna
250.764.7507 1.877.500.2242
ALS Society of British Columbia
To meet physical & emotional needs of
ALS patients and their caregivers
1.800.708.3228 Richmond
Alzheimer Society of BC
Exists to alleviate the personal and social
consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and
related dementias
South Okanagan & Similkameen
Alzheimer Resource Centre
104-35 Backstreet Blvd., Penticton
250.493.8182 1.888.318.1122
1.800.936.6033 Dementia Helpline
Arthritis Society
Committed to excellence and leadership
in research, care, education and advocacy
for persons with arthritis
1.800.321.1433 Info/Donate M-F 9-5
• Penticton Arthritis Service
Penticton Regional Hospital
550 Carmi Avenue
250.492.4000 ext. 2286
BC Brain Injury Association
Provide a voice to promote a better quality
of life for those with acquired brain injury:
educate, prevent, support
604.984.1212 North Vancouver
BC Cancer Agency: Sindi Ahluwalia
Hawkins Centre for Southern Interior
Centre of cancer research, education,
prevention, diagnosis and treatment
399 Royal Avenue, Kelowna
250.712.3900 1.888.563.7773
• Screening Mammography
About 1 in 9 women will develop breast
cancer. Mammograms can find breast
cancer early - usually before it has spread
Penticton Regional Hospital
250.770.7573 Medical Imaging
1.800.663.9203 Book your screening
BC Epilepsy Society
Provides information and referral, support
services to people with epilepsy
6 04.875.6704 Vancouver
• Center for Epilepsy & Seizure
Education in British Columbia
Providing support, education,
information for those with epilepsy
112-32868 Ventura Avenue
Abbotsford
1.888.9.SEIZUR
BC Lung Association
Comprehensive information on lung
diseases. See web site for Kelowna Better
Breathers Club meeting information
1.800.665.5864 for more information
BC Schizophrenia Society
Community based association of people
who volunteer their time to help improve
those with serious mental illness and their
families. Support is available throughout
the South Okanagan Similkameen. See
web site for list of Programs & Services
118-246 Martin Street, Penticton
250.493.7338 10 am-2 pm Mon-Fri
BC Seniors’ Guide
Compilation of information & resources
to help us all plan for and live healthy
lifestyles as we age. Sections on benefits,
health, housing, transportation, finances,
safety & security, and other services. You
can download/print, read it online, or order
a hard copy. For a free copy, contact the
Seniors Health Care Support Line Monday
to Friday 8:30am-4:30 pm
2016 English edition now available.
1.877.952.3181
BrainTrust Canada
Community rehabilitation and support
for persons with brain injury, as well as a
strong focus on education & prevention
11-368 Industrial Avenue, Kelowna
250.762.3233 1.888.762.3233
CNIB
Seeing beyond vision loss since 1918
Practical support for everyday life...safe
travel, learning & leisure, how-to videos,
Braille, independence living skills
101-1456 St. Paul Street, Kelowna
250.763.1191
1.800.563.2642 Helpline
Canadian Cancer Society
Information, resources, support for
cancer patients & their families
Interior Regional Office
• 102-1433 St. Paul Street, Kelowna
250.762.6381 1.800.403.8222
• 101-166 Main Street, Penticton
250.490.9681 Tues-Fri 10 am-4 pm
• 1.888.939.3333 Cancer Info Service
Canadian Cancer Society
• Southern Interior Rotary Lodge
2251 Abbott Street, Kelowna
250.712.2203
Home away from home facility for
cancer patients while accessing
treatment at Kelowna Cancer Centre
• Freemason Volunteer Drivers provide
transportation from airport or bus depot
in Kelowna to Cancer Centre; pick-ups
in Oliver, Penticton, Kaleden, Okanagan
Falls and Summerland Monday-Friday
24 hour notice required
freemasonry.bcy.ca/textfiles/cancer.html
Freemason Volunteer Driver Program
1.800.299.0188
Canadian Institute for Health
Information (CIHI)
Better Data. Better Decisions. Healthier
Canadians. Monthly e-newsletter
250.220.4100 Victoria office
Canadian Liver Foundation
Dedicated to liver health and eliminating
the over 100 forms of liver disease
1.800.856.7266 Vancouver
1.800.563.5483 Here to Help
Cerebral Palsy Association of BC
Committed to making a Life Without Limits
for people with disabilities
1.800.663.0004 Vancouver M-F 9-5
Chronic Disease
• Integrated Health Programs
For people with chronic diseases i.e. ..
diabetes, heart and/or kidney disease
Penticton Health Centre, 740 Carmi Ave
250.770.3530 1.800.707.8550
• Self-Management BC
Check web site for details and
upcoming workshops in your region
1.866.902.3767 9am-5pm Mon-Fri
• South Okanagan Chronic Disease
Program for Oliver and Osoyoos
residents living with chronic diseases
such as diabetes, heart disease, etc.
Osoyoos Health Centre or
South Okanagan General Hospital
250.770.3530
1.800.707.8550
Crisis Intervention & Suicide
Prevention Centre of BC
Non-profit, volunteer organization
committed to helping people help
themselves and others deal with crisis
1.800.SUICIDE (1.800.784.2433)
Crohn’s & Colitis Canada
Committed to curing Crohn’s disease &
ulcerative colitis, improving the lives of
those affected by these chronic diseases
1.800.513.8202 Vancouver
Denturist Association of BC
Everything you want to know about
dentures, where to find a local denturist
604.886.1705
Dietitian Services
Specializes in nutrition information,
counselling and advice based on most
current scientific sources by registered
dietitians, 9 am-5 pm Mon to Fri. Leave
message after hours. Translation services
Dial 8-1-1 Dial 7-1-1 TTY
Diabetes
• Canadian Diabetes Association
Research, education, services, advocacy
1589 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna
250.762.9447 1.888.628.9494
1.800.226.8464 Information Line
See our Webinar information on page 25
• Integrated Health Programs
For people with chronic diseases - i.e.
diabetes, heart and/or kidney disease
Penticton Health Centre
740 Carmi Avenue
250.770.3530 1.800.707.8550
•South Okanagan Chronic Disease
Program for Oliver and Osoyoos
residents living with chronic diseases
such as diabetes, heart disease, etc.
Osoyoos Health Centre or
South Okanagan General Hospital
250.770.3530 1.800.707.8550
Medical Organizations and Services
Advance Care Planning: My Voice
Expressing your wishes and instructions
for future health care treatment. By
planning ahead, you will have a voice
in your future decisions. Every capable
adult should make an advance care plan.
Download the provincial Advance Care
Planning Guide in English, Punjabi or
Simplified Chinese. Watch video.
advance-care-planning
Alcohol & Drug Information & Referral
Service
Certified information and referral
specialists respond to enquiries on all
aspects of alcohol and drug use and
misuse. 24/7 multilingual service
1.800.663.1441
Allergy/Asthma Information Association
Improve quality of life for those affected by
allergy, asthma and anaphylaxis
4730 Redridge Road, Kelowna
250.764.7507 1.877.500.2242
ALS Society of British Columbia
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
To meet physical & emotional needs of
ALS patients and their caregivers
1.800.708.3228 Richmond
Alzheimer Society of BC
Exists to alleviate the personal and social
consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and
related dementias
South Okanagan & Similkameen
Alzheimer Resource Centre
104-35 Backstreet Blvd., Penticton
250.493.8182 1.888.318.1122
1.800.936.6033 First Link Dementia Helpline
Arthritis Society
Committed to excellence and leadership
in research, care, education and advocacy
for persons with arthritis
1.800.321.1433 Info/Donate M-F 9am-5pm
• Penticton Arthritis Service
Penticton Regional Hospital
550 Carmi Avenue
250.492.4000 ext. 2286 M-F 8am-4pm
BC Brain Injury Association
Provide a voice to promote a better quality
of life for those with acquired brain injury:
educate, prevent, support
604.984.1212 North Vancouver
BC Cancer Agency: Sindi Ahluwalia
Hawkins Centre for Southern Interior
Centre of cancer research, education,
prevention, diagnosis and treatment
399 Royal Avenue, Kelowna
250.712.3900 1.888.563.7773
• Screening Mammography
About 1 in 9 women will develop breast
cancer. Mammograms can find breast
cancer early - usually before it has spread.
Check web for SOS Mobile Clinic locator
Penticton Regional Hospital
250.770.7573 Medical Imaging
1.800.663.9203 Book your screening
BC Epilepsy Society
Provides information and referral, support
services to people with epilepsy
6 04.875.6704 Vancouver
• Center for Epilepsy & Seizure
Education in British Columbia
Providing support, education,
information for those with epilepsy
112-32868 Ventura Ave., Abbotsford
1.888.9.SEIZUR
BC Lung Association
Comprehensive information on lung
diseases. See web site for Kelowna Better
Breathers Club meeting information
1.800.665.5864 Call for advice
BC Seniors’ Guide
Compilation of information & resources
to help us all plan for and live healthy
lifestyles as we age. Sections on benefits,
health, housing, transportation, finances,
safety & security. You can download/print,
read it online, or order a hard copy. To
order a free copy, contact the Seniors
Health Care Support Line Monday to
Firday 8:30am-4:30 pm. Chinese, English,
French and Punjabi. 2016 English edition
now available
1.877.952.3181
CNIB
Seeing beyond vision loss since 1918
Practical support for everyday life...safe
travel, learning & leisure, how-to videos,
Braille, independence living skills
101-1456 St. Paul Street, Kelowna
250.763.1191
1.800.563.2642 Helpline
Canadian Cancer Society
Information, resources, support for
cancer patients & their families
Interior Regional Office
• 102-1433 St. Paul Street, Kelowna
250.762.6381 1.800.403.8222
• 1.888.939.3333 Cancer Info Service
• 1.866.786.3934 TTY Mon-Fri
Canadian Cancer Society
• Southern Interior Rotary Lodge
2251 Abbott Street, Kelowna
250.712.2203
Home away from home facility for
cancer patients while accessing
treatment at Kelowna Cancer Centre
• Freemason Volunteer Drivers provide
transportation from airport or bus depot
in Kelowna to Cancer Centre; pick-ups
in Oliver, Penticton, Kaleden, Okanagan
Falls and Summerland Monday-Friday.
24 hour notice required
freemasonry.bcy.ca/textfiles/cancer.html
Freemason Volunteer Driver Program
1.800.299.0188
Canadian Institute for Health Information
Better Data. Better Decisions. Healthier
Canadians. Monthly e-newsletter
250.220.4100 Victoria office
Canadian Liver Foundation
Dedicated to liver health and eliminating
the over 100 forms of liver disease
continued...
1.800.856.7266 Vancouver
1.800.563.5483 Here to Help
Cerebral Palsy Association of BC
Committed to making a Life Without Limits
for people with disabilities
1.800.663.0004 Vancouver M-F 9-5
Chronic Disease
• Integrated Health Programs
For people with chronic diseases i.e. ..
diabetes, heart and/or kidney disease
Penticton Health Centre, 740 Carmi Ave
250.770.3530 1.800.707.8550
• Self-Management BC
Check web site for details and
upcoming workshops in your region
1.866.902.3767 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
• South Okanagan Chronic Disease
Program for Oliver and Osoyoos
residents living with chronic diseases
such as diabetes, heart disease, etc.
Osoyoos Health Centre or
South Okanagan General Hospital
250.770.3530 1.800.707.8550
Crisis Intervention & Suicide
Prevention Centre of BC
Help is Available. We are truly here to
listen, here to help 24/7. Call number
below or your local crisis centre
1.800.SUICIDE (1.800.784.2433)
310.6789 Mental Health Support
Crohn’s & Colitis Canada
Committed to curing Crohn’s disease &
ulcerative colitis, improving the lives of
those affected by these chronic diseases
1.888.884.2232
Denturist Association of BC
Everything you ever wanted to know about
dentures, answers to your questions,
where to find a local denturist
604.886.1705
Dietitian Services
Specializes in nutrition information,
counselling and advice based on most
current scientific sources by registered
dietitians, 9 am-5 pm Monday to Friday
Leave message after hours. Translation
services
Dial 8-1-1
Dial 7-1-1 TTY
Diabetes
• Diabetes Canada
Research, education, services, advocacy
1589 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna
250.762.9447
1.888.628.9494
1.800.226.8464 Information Line
See our Webinar information on page 40
• Integrated Health Programs
For people with chronic diseases - i.e.
diabetes, heart and/or kidney disease
Penticton Health Centre
740 Carmi Avenue
250.770.3530 1.800.707.8550
• South Okanagan Chronic Disease
Program for Oliver and Osoyoos
residents living with chronic diseases
such as diabetes, heart disease, etc.
Osoyoos Health Centre or
South Okanagan General Hospital
250.770.3530
1.800.707.8550
Healthy Eating for Seniors Handbook
Includes recipes, information on good
nutrition menu plans. Find online or order
a free copy by calling HealthLink BC.
English, French, Chinese, Punjabi
www2.gov.bc.ca - search for above title
Dial 8-1-1 Dial 7-1-1 TTY
Heart Health
• Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada
Supports cardiac rehabilitation,
advocacy of prevention and education
416.730.8299 Toronto
• Heart & Stroke Foundation
Promotes health through research,
education, services and advocacy
4-1551 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna
778.313.8090 1.866.432.7833
See our ‘Signs of Stroke’ ad on page 20
• Integrated Health Programs
For people with chronic diseases - i.e.
diabetes, heart and/or kidney disease.
Most services for heart health require
physician referral. Penticton Health
Centre, 740 Carmi Avenue
250.770.3530 1.800.707.8550
• South Okanagan Chronic Disease
Program for Oliver and Osoyoos
residents living with chronic diseases
such as diabetes, heart disease, etc.
Supervised Exercise/Cardiac Rehab
requires physician referral.
Osoyoos Health Centre or
South Okanagan General Hospital
250.770.3530 1.800.707.8550
HealthLink BC
See web site for medically-approved
info on more than 5,000 health topics,
symptoms, medications, and tips for
maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Call to
speak to a nurse 24/7. Speak to a dietitian
about nutrition, healthy eating Mon-Fri
9am-5pm. Pharmacist available 5pm-9am
every day of the year. Translation services
available in more than 130 languages
Dial 8-1-1 Dial 7-1-1 TTY
HealthyFamiliesBC
Health promotion plan to encourage
healthier choices. Online blog
Kidney Foundation of Canada BC
Volunteer organization committed to
reducing the burden of kidney disease.
1.800.567.8112 Burnaby
• South Okanagan/Interior Chapter
chapter
• Kidney Community Kitchen
Manage your renal diet - info, cookbook
(meal plans, recipes, FAQs)
Lupus Society
Provide education, support to people
affected by lupus; create awareness;
support advances: treatment & research
1.866.585.8787
• Kelowna Support Group
250.869.1335 Debra
Osteoporosis Canada
Works to educate, empower, support
individuals & communities in the
prevention & treatment of osteoporosis
For support group near you, or to create a
group in your community, contact
• Kelowna Chapter
250.861.6880 Trish Gunning
Pacific Blue Cross
Health, dental, life, disability, travel insurance
1.800.873.2583 Vancouver
Parkinson Society British Columbia
Address the personal and social
consequences of Parkinson’s Disease
See Support Group info in Resources
section: Support Groups/Self Help pg. 80
1.800.668.3330
Patient Care Quality Office
We welcome your comments. If we have not
met your expectations, we are committed
to working with you to find a reasonable
solution. Your feedback is our chance to
improve the care or services we provide.
505 Doyle Avenue, Kelowna, 5th Floor
1.877.442.2001 Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
PharmaCare
Provides financial assistance to BC
residents for eligible prescription drugs
and designated medical supplies
www2.gov.bc.ca > click on ‘Health’
1.800.663.7100 M-F 8-8, Sat 8am-4pm
Prostate Cancer Canada Network
Help individuals, their families understand,
cope with prostate cancer. See Support
Groups/Kelowna information on page 80
Okanagan Prostate Resource Centre
1.855.722.4636 Information Service
Brain Injury Society
Services for individuals with an acquired
brain injury (ABI), including stroke, to
maximize quality of life. Education and
prevention promotion; helmet awareness
2-996 Main Street, Penticton
250.490.0613
See our ad and article on page 21
South Okanagan Similkameen Mental
Wellness Society
Community based association of people
who volunteer their time to help improve
those with serious mental illness and their
families. Support throughout the SOS. See
web site for list of Programs & Services
118-246 Martin Street, Penticton
250.493.7338 10 am-2 pm Mon-Fri
Spinal Cord Injury BC
We help people with spinal cord injuries
adjust, adapt, and thrive
1.800.689.2477 BC InfoLine Mon-Fri
250.308.1997 Scott - Okan. Peer Coord.
reet, Penticton
250.490.0613
See our ad and article on page 12