COVID-19 vaccine fraud…

The Government of Canada has issued warnings to Canadians about COVID-19 vaccine fraud. There are reports of counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines sold on the internet and from other unauthorized sources.

  • Do not take these fraudulent vaccines, as they may pose serious health risks. They are not effective at protecting you from the virus that causes COVID-19.
  • Report the incident or source immediately.
  • Refer to Government of Canada sources for accurate vaccine information.

The only way to access safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines is through your local public health authority (i.e. Interior Health).

You can find more information on COVID-19 frauds here.

NEW Mental Health Literacy Guide for Autism!

The Autism Mental Health Literacy Project (AM-HeLP) through York University have created the Mental Health Literacy Guide for Autism! The guide is designed to bring awareness to and share knowledge around issues related to Autistic mental health. Their website says that the guide is meant to be read by everyone — but most importantly by Autistic adults, family members, professionals, policy-makers and leaders.

There’s also a series of 6 animated videos made to go with the guide — here is the first video in the series:

You can also check out the guide here:

Long Weekend Safety…

As we head into the Victoria Day long weekend, it’s important to find ways to enjoy the holiday that keep each other safe and healthy — that means continuing to follow public health orders!

To support public health and safety, for example, Kelowna has announced the return of its Safety Education Ambassadors this weekend. Part of the annual Parks Ambassador Program, the Ambassadors were part of the City’s response to last summer’s rise in local COVID-19 cases around the Canada Day long weekend.

“Last year our ambassadors played an important role with over 9,000 interactions over the six weeks they were out in the community, and we found that people were responsive and willing to adjust their behaviour with simple friendly reminders. Once again the ambassadors’ role in our more popular spaces will be to monitor, educate and encourage the public to make smart choices while pandemic restrictions are still in play.”

Lance Kayfish, Risk Manager for the City of Kelowna

So check out the message from Mayor Basran, and, this long weekend, remember to keep each other safe and healthy by following public health orders (like keeping a safe social distance, at least 6 feet apart) — and any reminders from the Safety Education Ambassadors are to help everyone make good choices!

COVID-19 prevention practices…

The Government of Canada has issued reminders about personal prevention practices we all must use to keep each other safe and healthy.

The vaccination rate is climbing steadily in Canada. However, vaccines cannot prevent you from passing the virus to others. That’s why we must continue to:

  • Stay at home and minimize interactions.
  • Wear a mask and wash hands when necessary.
  • Follow the advice of your public health authority.
  • Avoid non-essential travel.

Until it is safe for everyone to do otherwise.

There are more personal preventative practices here.

FSI Calendar for Connection!

Looking for something socially-distanced and safe to do? Check out the Family Support Institute’s Calendar for Connection here!

Here’s how they say it works:

Looking for ways to meet new people and stay socially connected? This calendar was created to help people with diverse abilities know about different fun and inclusive opportunities to connect with others during COVID-19.

Double click on any event to view more details or click the button below to check out events and activities happening all over BC. We are always looking for new events to share on our calendar! If you would like to add an event to our calendar, please contact: fsi@fsibc.com.

Family Support Institute CALENDAR FOR CONNECTION
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