Northern Health expands hours and services at Tumbler Ridge Health Centre

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — Northern Health is temporarily expanding hours and services at the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre following the February 10th school shooting in the community.

In a news release on February 13th, the health authority announced that from February 13th to March 6th, the health centre will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., including statutory holidays.

Northern Health says this is to “ensure the community has access to care and support” following the events on Tuesday, which left nine people, including the shooter, dead and 27 others injured.

The BC RCMP have also identified the eight victims.

According to the release, drop-in appointments with mental health clinicians will be available during the extended hours for anyone seeking support. 

Northern Health also said nurse practitioners, with physician supports, will also be on site to provide primary and urgent care services. 

The centre’s laboratory and x-ray department will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. as well, to provide diagnostic support.

Emergency department hours will remain unchanged, operating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Residents are reminded to call 911 for emergency health care and transport to the most appropriate facility.

Northern Health says it will continue to assess the community’s needs in the coming weeks and provide updates as necessary.

To help residents travel for care and support, Northern Health has also implemented its NH Connections travel support service in the Tumbler Ridge area. 

Northern Health says a free shuttle will run in the coming weeks between Tumbler Ridge and Fort St. John, via Dawson Creek and Chetwynd, for both the public and healthcare staff.

The health authority says additional staff have been deployed to Tumbler Ridge to ensure coverage and to allow local staff the support and rest they may need. 

It noted the expanded hours would not be possible without assistance from other health authorities, partner agencies and individual healthcare professionals across the province.

Northern Health also pointed to other mental health resources and supports:

• BC’s Mental Health Line at 310‑6789 
• 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline (call or text)
• Bereavement and Grief Support Line at 1-877-779-2223
• Kid’s Help Phone, available by texting CONNECT to 686868
• KUU‑US Crisis Response Service at 1‑800‑588‑8717 for culturally aware support for Indigenous peoples
• Northern Health virtual and community mental health services 1-844-645-7811

More resources can be found at Northern Health’s website and the government of B.C.’s website for information on supporting others.