Debt Resources for Seniors in BC

To find the health services and resources you need:
1) Call 8-1-1 to consult with a nurse, pharmacist or dietician or
2) Visit HealthLinkBC at www.HealthLinkBC.ca  or
3) Call Service BC for assistance at:
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-660-2421
In Greater Victoria the number is: 250-387-6121
The toll-free number: 1-800-663-7867
Deaf/Hearing-impaired toll-free number: 1-800-661-8773
Deaf/Hearing-impaired in Greater Vancouver: 604-775-0303
4) Call B.C. Health and Seniors Information Line:
The toll-free number: 1-800-465-4911
In Greater Victoria the number is: 250-952-1742
(Note: translation services are available in 130 languages. The Website is: 
www.hls.gov.bc.ca/seniors ).

This program works with patients to help improve their access to health care by connecting them to medical programs in a timely, economical and convenient manner. It works in partnership with private providers, B.C. Transit and regional districts.

Northern Health Authority:
Please have your CareCard number and appointment information ready.
To reserve your seat the number is: 1-888-647-4997
The Website is: www.northernhealth.ca/Your_Health/Programs/NH_Connections/default.asp .

Interior Health Authority:
The toll-free number: 1-800-465-4911
The Website is:
www.interiorhealth.ca/health-services.aspx?id=440&terms=transportation .

HealthLink B.C. is the gateway to access non-emergency health information and services in British Columbia. Through its collection of print and telephone resources, programs and services, you can get the information you need to manage the health concerns of yourself and your family.

By Phone:
Speak to a nurse: call 8-1-1 to ask a registered nurse your health questions, any hour of the day or night. Nurses are available 24/7 to help you with non-emergency health concerns, to discuss symptoms and procedures, and to recommend whether you should see a health professional.
Speak to a pharmacist: call 8-1-1 to ask medication questions. Pharmacists are on call at 8-1-1 when your community pharmacist may be unavailable, every night from 5 PM to 9 AM.
Speak to a dietitian: call 8-1-1 and speak to a dietitian for nutrition advice Monday to Friday from 9AM to 5 PM.
(Note: Translation services are available in over 130 languages upon request. For deaf and hearing-impaired assistance (TTY), call 7-1-1 in B.C.).

On the Web:
Check your symptoms, learn about health conditions and topics and find the resources and services you need.
HealthLink B.C. has medically approved information on over 4,000 health topics and over 2,500 health services in its searchable database. A comprehensive medication library provides reliable information on medications and prescription drugs. And the integrated search and mapping function of our new Health Navigation Services helps you find the health services you need, closest to where you live.
The Website is: www.healthlinkbc.ca .

In Print:
The B.C. HealthGuide Handbook:
This shows how to recognize and cope with common health concerns, preventing illness, home treatment and when to see a health professional. There are also topics of interest to seniors, including a chapter on healthy aging.
It is available free in English, French, Chinese and Punjabi, and there is a B.C. First Nations HealthGuide Handbook available on the website. The English handbooks are available at your local pharmacy or Government Agency’s office, while Chinese and Punjabi handbooks are available at many community or multicultural organizations, and French handbooks are available through your local francophone organization.
You can also phone 8-1-1 or see the order form on the website.

The B.C. HealthFiles:
These are sheets on public health and safety topics, available free on the website and at public health units. Some are available in French, Chinese, Punjabi, Farsi, Spanish or Vietnamese. (Note: see translated B.C. HealthFiles at www.healthlinkbc.ca for more information).

Is it an Emergency?:
In the event of a medical emergency when immediate action is required call 9-1-1 (or a local emergency number).
If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control for 24 hour toll-free poison information:
The toll-free number: 1-800-567-8911
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-682-5050

The Medical Services Plan of British Columbia (MSP) insures medically required services provided to British Columbians by physicians and supplementary health care practitioners, laboratory services and diagnostic procedures.
All B.C. residents are required to enrol with MSP and pay a monthly premium. If your income is low and you are a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant (permanent resident) who has held that status and lived in Canada for the last 12 months, you may be eligible to receive assistance with premium payments or a premium waiver. If you are a Status Indian or Inuit, the federal government may pay premiums on your behalf.

New residents or persons re-establishing residence in B.C. are eligible for coverage after completing a waiting period that normally consists of the remainder of the month of arrival, plus two months. To allow time for your application to be processed, you should apply for MSP coverage immediately after arriving in B.C. rather than at the end of the waiting period.

If you are 65 years of age or older and enrolled in MSP, you will automatically receive a Gold CareCard. The Gold CareCard is useful as proof of age and residence for discounts offered by certain government programs and many businesses.

Medical Benefits:
MSP pays for medically required services of physicians and surgeons, diagnostic X-rays and laboratory services (enrolled with MSP). In addition, MSP will cover dental and oral surgery when medically required and must be performed in a hospital.

MSP contributes towards supplementary benefits for eligible beneficiaries. For MSP beneficiaries receiving premium assistance, MSP pays $23 per visit for a combined annual limit of 10 visits per calendar year for the following services: acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy, physical therapy and non-surgical podiatry. Surgical podiatry is a benefit for all beneficiaries.

Routine eye examinations are a benefit for those aged 18 years of age and under, or 65 years of age and older. Medically required eye examinations are a benefit for all beneficiaries.

Who is Health Insurance BC (HIBC)?:
Health Insurance B.C. administers the MSP and PharmaCare on behalf of the Ministry of Health Services. Health Insurance B.C. can answer your questions about both of these programs. For more information:
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-683-7151
The toll-free number: 1-800-663-7100
The Website is: www.hibc.gov.bc.ca .
Application forms and correspondence may be mailed to:
Health Insurance B.C.
PO box 9035, STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9E3
Fax: 250-405-3595

Temporary Premium Assistance:
Temporary Premium Assistance (TPA) provides a short-term period of MSP premium waiver for qualifying individuals and families. To be eligible for TPA you must meet all of the following criteria:

• You are a Canadian citizen or a holder of a permanent resident status for the last 12 months.
• You have resided in Canada for the last 12 months.
• You are billed directly for your own MSP premiums.
• You (and your spouse, if applicable) have filed the previous year’s income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency.
• You are experiencing unexpected financial hardship for which you could not reasonably have budgeted.
• The essential living cost for your household exceeds the total income of you and your spouse. Essential living costs do not include consumer debt or loan payments.

For eligible applicants, TPA can be provided for up to six months from the date the application was received.

For more information or to receive an application package:
In Greater Victoria the number is: 250-356-8285
The toll-free number: 1-800-207-2051
E-mail: TPA@gov.bc.ca
Fax: 250-387-8021
Mail:
Temporary Premium Assistance – MSP
PO Box 9627 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9P1

Low-income seniors who have left provincial income assistance for federal income support may be eligible to receive coverage for costs associated with the Medical Services Plan, PharmaCare, basic dental, optical and other approved medical supports.
More information is available at the Ministry of Housing and Social Development website.
The Website is: www.eia.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/2004/MSO.htm .

The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) offers travel discounts to eligible B.C. residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community, and whose travel expenses are not covered by third-party insurance or other government programs. A physician’s referral is necessary, and the patient must have the physician complete a TAP form. TAP must be contacted prior to travel for a confirmation number in order to receive a discount.

Instead of direct financial assistance, fees are waived or discounted, and travel assistance may also be provided.

For more information and to process your completed TAP form:
In Greater Victoria the number is: 250-952-2657
The toll-free number: 1-800-661-2668
The Website is: www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/mtapp/tap_patient.html .
You may also contact your health authority to see if you qualify for other travel assistance.

8) ACUTE, HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES:
B.C.’s health authorities provide a variety of acute and community health services, residential services and special support services to assist people whose ability to function independently is affected by health-related problems. The type of assistance and support required varies from one person to another, and may change over time for each individual.

Hospital Care:
If registered with MSP and have a valid CareCard you are insured for most services provided by hospitals. This includes emergency care in the Emergency Department, inpatient care (where you stay overnight) and outpatient care (where you go in for a scheduled service and go home the same day).

When you are admitted into an acute care hospital in B.C. for inpatient care, you will automatically receive standard accommodation, meals, nursing services and other goods and services that are medically required while you are a patient in the hospital. This includes any needed laboratory or diagnostic tests and x-rays, prescription medications, most medical supplies, routine surgical supplies and rehabilitation services provided in the hospital.

Patients may only be charged for goods and services used in the hospital when they are not medically required. If you request a private or semi-private hospital room, you will be required to pay a room charge determined by the individual hospital; however, some third-party medical plans cover this cost. Patients may also be charged for certain non-standard medical devices, but you must give your consent to purchase these items in advance.

Patients are also responsible for paying medical equipment, medical supplies, prosthetics that are not implanted in the body, and medications, when these are to be used after the patient returns home. Some of these items may be insured under Fair PharmaCare, depending on the circumstances of the patient.

Home and Community Care:
Home and community care services provide health care and support services to eligible British Columbians who have acute, chronic, palliative or rehabilitative health care needs. They are provided by health authorities, either directly or through partnerships with non-profit and for profit housing and care providers.
Services are meant to complement or supplement clients’ needs which are met mainly through families, friends and other community resources.

In-home services include home care nursing, rehabilitation, home support and palliative care. Community-based services include adult day programs, meal programs, assisted living, residential care services and hospice care. Case management services are provided in both the home and the community.
Depending on the type of care required and an individual’s income, there may be a cost associated with some services. Contact your health authority for more information.

Home and Community Care Services:

• Support clients to remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible.
• Provide services at home to clients who would otherwise require admission to hospital or would stay longer in hospital.
• Provide assisted living and residential care services to clients who can no longer be supported in their homes.
• Provide services that support people who are nearing the end of life, and their families, at home, in assisted living, in residential care or in a hospice.

Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for services such as home care nursing, physiotherapy or occupational therapy, clients must:

• Be resident in British Columbia.
• Be Canadian citizens or have permanent resident status (landed immigrant or on a Minister’s permit approved by the Ministry of Health Services Medical Advisory Committee).
• Require care following discharge from an acute care hospital, care at home rather than hospitalization, or care because of a terminal illness.

To be eligible for subsidized services such as home support, assisted living, adult day care, case management, residential care services and/or palliative care service, clients must:

• Be 19 years of age or older.
• Have lived in British Columbia for the required period of time (this depends on the service: contact your local health authority for current information).
• Be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status (landed immigrant or on a Minister’s permit approved by the Ministry of Health Services Medical Advisory Committee).
• Be unable to function independently because of chronic, health-related problems, or have been diagnosed by a doctor with an end-stage illness.

Obtaining Services:
For information about home and community care services contact your local health authority. A relative, friend or professional (Physician, nurse, pharmacist or social worker) may also contact the health authority on a client’s behalf. A staff member determines the urgency of the client’s situation and if a care assessment is required.

Case Management and Care Co-ordination:
Assessing the client’s care needs and abilities, the case manager develops a plan with the client and their family. The case manager recommends home health services and resources available in the community; refers clients to specific programs; and stays in touch to help clients with arrangements or to make needed adjustments if their care needs change.

Home Support:
Home support services help clients remain in their own homes by providing personal assistance with daily activities. These include bathing, dressing, grooming and light household tasks to help maintain a safe and supportive home.

Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL):
Choice in Supports for Independent Living is an alternative for clients who want more flexibility in arranging home support services. They receive funds to purchase their own services and they manage, co-ordinate and are financially responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, scheduling and supervising home support workers.

Family members who provide care and assistance may be eligible to be paid under this program.

Seniors and people with disabilities who are unable, or not always able, to direct their own care can obtain CSIL funding through a client support group. The case manager can provide more information on how to establish a support group to manage CSIL services on the client’s behalf.

Home Care Nursing and Community Rehabilitation Services:
Home care nursing and community rehabilitation provide non-emergency in-home nursing care and rehabilitation therapy. They assist British Columbians with acute or chronic illnesses, adults recovering from a hospital stay and clients nearing the end of their lives.

Adult Day Centres:
Adult day programs provide supportive group programs and activities to assist seniors and adults with disabilities to remain independently in the community, and to provide caregivers with short periods of respite. Activities vary with each centre, but may include personal care, social activities and caregiver respite.

Caregiver Relief/Respite:
Respite care offers caregivers temporary relief from the emotional and physical demands of caring for a friend or family member. It gives caregivers the opportunity to join in community activities or renew their energies so they can continue to provide quality care.

Respite can include assistance in the home or arranging for clients to attend adult day centres or be temporarily admitted to a residential care facility.

Assisted Living:
Assisted living residences provide housing, hospitality and personalized assistance services for adults who can live independently but require regular assistance with daily activities, usually due to age, illness or disability.

Residences range from a high-rise apartment complex to a private home. Units can vary from one room to private self-contained apartments. Services may include help with bathing, grooming, dressing and mobility. Meals, housekeeping, laundry, social and recreational opportunities and a 24-hour response system are also provided.

The health and safety of assisted living occupants are overseen by a provincial assisted living registrar. The registrar ensures that complaints about health and safety are cleared up in a timely and effective way (see Assisted Living Registrar). For more information, refer to the section Independent Living B.C under HOUSING (below).

Residential Care:
Residential care is for people who need 24-hour professional nursing care and can no longer be supported in their own homes. For seniors and people with disabilities with complex care needs, residential care provides a protective, supportive environment. Clients with the highest need and urgency have priority for placement in the first appropriate bed available.

Group Homes:
Adults with disabilities can often live independently in their community in publicly funded group homes. Group homes – usually accommodating from four to six residents – are safe and affordable. They offer short- or long-term accommodation, skills training, peer support and counselling.

Family Care Homes:
Family care homes are single family residences that provide residents with a home-like atmosphere. Services include meals, housekeeping and assistance with daily activities for up to two clients. Family care homes are most common in rural areas, where they allow residents to stay in their own communities.

End-of-Life Care:
Compassionate end-of-life care aims to preserve clients’ comfort, dignity and quality of life by relieving symptoms, so those facing death can devote their energy and time to embracing that which is most important to them. End-of-life care services are provided to clients in their own homes and in home-like settings, assisted living residences, residential care facilities and hospices.

Hospitals and Hospice Palliative Care:
British Columbians who are in the end stages of a terminal illness or preparing for death, and who do not require acute hospital care, may prefer to spend their remaining time in a hospice. Hospices are home-like settings that provide hospice palliative care, including medical and nursing care, pain and symptom management, and psychosocial, spiritual and bereavement support.
Some hospices may provide hospice palliative care services in the community to people who would rather receive this care at home.

B.C. Palliative Care Benefits Program:
The B.C. Palliative Care Benefits Program assists people who are nearing the end of their lives to receive palliative care at home. British Columbians can apply through their doctors. The program provides coverage for medications used in palliative care through PharmaCare Plan P, and some medical supplies and equipment through the local health authority.
The Website is: www.health.gov.bc.ca/pharme/plans/ .

For More Information:
For more information on home and community care services, visit the home and community care website:
The Website is: www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/hcc/index.html .

PharmaCare subsidizes eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies. PharmaCare provides assistance to British Columbians under Fair PharmaCare and other specialty plans.

B.C.’s Fair PharmaCare Plan:
B.C.’s Fair PharmaCare Plan focuses assistance on those who need it most, based on their net income. It requires a one-time registration.

Monthly Deductible Payment Option:
British Columbians with the lowest incomes do not have a deductible and receive immediate assistance for eligible prescriptions under the Fair PharmaCare Plan.

Some families have a deductible that is based on their net family income.  PharmaCare offers a payment option to help these individuals and families.

Once enrolled in the monthly deductible payment option, families pay their Fair PharmaCare deductible in monthly instalments and receive PharmaCare assistance with eligible prescription costs right away.

Registering for Fair PharmaCare:
You can register for Fair PharmaCare by telephone or on the Internet. There is no charge to register and there are no premiums to pay. See the contact information below (under For More Information).

Here is what you will need to register for yourself and, if applicable, your spouse:

• B.C. CareCard.
• Net income information from line 236 of your income tax return or from your Canada Revenue Agency (or CRA) Notice of Assessment (NoA) from two years ago.
• Social insurance number.
• Date of birth.

After you register, PharmaCare will mail you a consent form which you must sign and return.

PharmaCare bases your assistance on your net family income from two years earlier (for example, assistance in 2011 is based on income information from 2009). If you have experienced a significant decrease in family net income (10 percent or more) since that year you may apply to have your assistance based on more recent income information.

For More Information:
Health Insurance B.C. administers PharmaCare and the Medical Services Plan (MSP) on behalf of the Ministry of Health Services. Health Insurance B.C. can answer your questions about both these programs. Customer service representatives are available Monday to Friday from 8AM to 8PM and Saturdays from 8AM to 4PM.
For more information about the PharmaCare program or to register for the Fair PharmaCare Plan, you can call Health Insurance B.C. or visit the PharmaCare website:
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-683-7151
The toll-free number: 1-800-663-7100
The Website is: www.hibc.gov.bc.ca

The Ministry of Health Services funds a comprehensive and integrated system of mental health and addiction services delivered by health authorities. These services focus on health promotion, prevention, harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery, including supporting individuals and families in self-care and resiliency. Mental health and addiction services are targeted to different age groups, including seniors, and provide the following services:

• Assessment
• Emergency and urgent services
• Treatment
• Residential services
• Individual and group therapy
• Caregiver support and education
• Rehabilitation
• Family involvement and support
• Consultation

Although seniors have developed long-standing coping skills to manage their day-to-day stresses, they are as prone as the rest of society to suffering from the effects of mental illness and addictions. Of particular concern are issues surrounding depression, anxiety, addictions such as alcohol abuse, and dementia. The treatment of seniors’ mental health issues is often made more complex due to the presence of chronic pain or some other physical health problem. Mental health services for seniors often focus on the need for collaborative practices that can include the family physician and/or home and community care services.

Contact your local health authority for information about available services. As well, the following provincial resources may be of assistance.

Alzheimer Society:
The Alzheimer Society has three levels (national, provincial and local) that work together to form a nationwide network of services to help Canadians affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. It is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization that provides province-wide support services and education programs to people with Alzheimer’s disease, families, physicians and health care providers.
In Vancouver the number is: 604-533-5277
The toll-free number: 1-888-251-3111

For information about Alzheimer Society supports located in the B.C. Interior, contact:
Alzheimer Society Resource Centres
The Website is: www.alzheimerbc.org/contact_resourcecentres.php .
Society Dementia Help Line:
The toll-free number: 1-800-936-6033
The Lower Mainland number is: 604-681-8651 (Tuesday to Friday, 10AM to 4PM).

Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia:
Throughout the province, trained volunteers supported by professionals provide telephone crisis intervention for people experiencing emotional distress. For services in your local community please consult the emergency section of your telephone book or call the following numbers:
The toll-free 24-Hour Distress Line number in B.C.: 1-866-661-3311
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-872-3311
The toll-free Suicide-Related Crisis number in B.C.: 1-800-784-2433
(Note: Translation services are available).
The Website is: www.crisiscentre.bc.ca .

B.C. Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service:
This is a 24 hour service which can refer you to counselling and resources in your community.
The toll-free number in B.C.: 1-800-663-1441
The Greater Vancouver number is: 604-660-9382

B.C. Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information:
The following work together to provide evidence-based information on mental health and addictions:

• Anxiety Disorders Association of B.C.
• Jessie’s Hope Society
• B.C. Schizophrenia Society
• Canadian Mental Health Association, B.C.
• Centre for Addictions Research of B.C.
• FORCE Society for Kids’ Mental Health Care
• Mood Disorders Association of B.C.

A toll-free information line provides 24-hour taped information on various mental health and substance use disorders, including symptoms, causes, treatment, options, support groups and community resources.
The toll-free number in B.C.: 1-800-661-2121
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-669-7600
The Website is: www.heretohelp.bc.ca

Centre for Addictions Research of B.C.:
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-408-7753
The toll-free number: 1-866-677-LINK (5465)
The Website is: www.carbc.ca .

Problem Gambling:
The Problem Gambling Help Line is a confidential toll-free service available to all British Columbians, providing counselling information and referral 24 hours a day seven days a week. Information and referral specialists can provide immediate information for problem gamblers and their families and friends, and can refer callers to professional problem gambling counselling services around the province.
The toll-free number: 1-888-795-6111
Deaf/Hearing-impaired (collect calls accepted): 604-875-0885
The Website is: www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca

Brain Injury:
The Brain Injury Association of Canada facilitates post-trauma research, education and advocacy for Canadians affected by brain injury.

The British Columbia Brain Injury Association is a provincial organization dedicated to promoting a better quality of life for those living with an acquired brain injury (ABI), through education information, prevention, support and advocacy.

B.C. Brain Injury Association:
Address: P.O. Box 2324, Chilliwack, B.C. V2R 1A7
The toll-free number: 1-877-858-1788
In Vancouver the number is: 604-465-1783
Fax: 604-465-1725

Public ambulance services – both ground and air – are provided to B.C. residents by the British Columbia Ambulance Service.

The Province of British Columbia subsidizes about 90 percent of the cost of transporting a patient by ambulance, with a user fee of about $80 being billed to the patient. If the user fee poses a financial problem the Ministry of Health Services revenue section will work out a payment schedule. There is a $50 fee if an ambulance is called by the patient, the patient’s family or a care facility and the patient is not transported to hospital.

In a medical emergency:
Call 911 where available, or
Call the EMERGENCY phone number listed on the inside cover of your telephone book, or
If a telephone book is not available, call the operator by dialling 0.

The number for more information about ambulance services: 250-953-3298

For ambulance billing:
Address:
British Columbia Ambulance Service
Ambulance Billing Department
PO Box 9676 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9P7

Public health units across British Columbia offer a variety of health services. These services support the health and independence of seniors and contribute to family and community health. These services include nutrition resources and immunization.

Immunization Services:
Information on the availability of immunization, such as influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, can be obtained by calling your local public health office in the blue pages of your telephone book.

Information is also provided on the Internet on the following topics:

• Why seniors should get flu vaccinations.

The Website is: www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile12a.stm .

• Pneumococcal vaccine information.

The Website is: www.healthlinkbc.ca/kbase/topic/detail/drug/tv8594/bib.htm .

• Immunization during an influenza pandemic.

The Website is: www.health.gov.bc.ca/pandemic/pdf/immunization.pdf .

• International travel immunization for adults.

The Website is: www.healthlinkbc.ca/kbase/topic/special/immun/sec6.htm .

(Chronic Disease Management Program):
The B.C. Government has provided funding to health authorities who work with the University of Victoria Centre on Aging to provide free six-week patient education programs for people with chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and lung disease. More information is available on the University of Victoria Centre on Aging website, or by calling the program’s information line.

Bounce Back:
Reclaim Your Health is a program providing resources and services to individuals living with chronic health conditions and who may also be experiencing pain, depression or anxiety. The program offers telephone coaching in a series of self-help modules along with a DVD – called Living Life to the Full. The coaching component of Bounce Back is offered in many but not all communities throughout B.C. and the DVD can be accessed through family physicians’ offices everywhere. To find out more about Bounce Back, seniors are encouraged to talk to their family doctor.
The toll-free number: 1-866-902-3767
The Website is: www.coag.uvic.ca/cdsmp .

Bounce Back is delivered through the B.C. Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association with funding from the B.C. Ministry of Health Services.

Canadian Diabetes Association:
Address:
Vancouver Coastal Regional Office
360 – 1385 W. 8th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3V9
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-732-1331
Information Line: 1-800-226-8464
The Website is: www.diabetes.ca

Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada:
The Website is: www.cardiachealth.ca
E-mail: info@cardiachealth.ca

Cerebral Palsy Association of B.C.:
Address:
801 – 409 Granville Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6C 1T2
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-408-9484
The toll-free number: 1-800-663-0004
Fax: 604-408-9489
The Website is: www.bccerebralpalsy.com
E-mail: info@cerebralpalsy.com

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of Canada:
Address:
British Columbia/Yukon
151 – 32500 South Fraser Way, Suite 213
Abbotsford, B.C. V2T 4W1
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-856-8200
The toll-free number: 1-800-513-8202
Fax: 604-856-8204
The Website is: www.ccfc.ca
E-mail: sbrown@ccfc.ca

Heart & Stroke Foundation of B.C & Yukon:
Address:
Provincial Office
200 – 1212 West Broadway
Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3V2
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-736-4404
Fax: 604-736-8732
The Website is: www.heartandstroke.bc.ca

Kidney Foundation of Canada:
Address:
200 – 4940 Canada Way
Burnaby, B.C. V5G 4K6
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-736-9775
The toll-free number: 1-800-567-8112
Fax: 604-736-9703
The Website is: www.kidney.ca
The Website is: www.kidney.bc.ca
E-mail: info@kidney.ca

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada:
Address:
Lower Mainland Chapter *
1501 – 4330 Kingsway
Burnaby, B.C. V5H 4G7
(*Note: there are other chapters in B.C. – Vancouver Island, Fraser Valley, Kamloops, the Okanagan, Prince George, West Kootenay – all found on the website)
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-689-3144
The toll-free number: 1-800-268-7582
Fax: 604-689-0377
The Website is: www.mssociety.ca
E-mail: info@mssociety.ca

Muscular Dystrophy Canada:
Address:
Western Region Office
7th Floor, 1401 W. Broadway
Vancouver, B.C. V6H 1H6
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-732-8799
The toll-free number: 1-800-366-8166
Fax: 604-731-6127
The Website is: www.muscle.ca
E-mail: infowest@muscle.ca

Narcotics Anonymous:
Vancouver Area Helpline: 604-873-1018
The toll-free number: 1-866-683-6819
The Website is: www.canaacna.org

Osteoporosis Canada:
The toll-free number: 1-800-463-6842
The Website is: www.osteoporosis.ca

Parkinson Society British Columbia:
Address:
600 – 890 W. Pender Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6C 1J9
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-662-3240
The toll-free number: 1-800-668-3330
Fax: 604-687-1327
The Website is: www.parkinson.bc.ca
E-mail: info@parkinson.bc.ca

Prostate Cancer – Canadian Prostate Cancer Network:
In Greater Vancouver the number is: 604-929-3125
The toll-free number: 1-866-810-2726
The Website is: www.cpcn.org