Vancouver Coastal Health’s statement on the one-year milestone of the COVID-19 pandemic

Vancouver, B.C. – “Thursday, March 11 marks one year since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic. Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) would like to recognize and acknowledge the tremendous work of health-care workers and outstanding support from the communities in our region over the past 12 months. It has been a difficult and challenging year for all of us. At the same time, the arrival of the vaccines – and now the opening of vaccination clinics – have brought with them much needed hope. 

“This past year, we all have been asked to do more than we have ever had to do at work, at home and in the community to keep each other safe. Many of us have been separated from family, friends and loved ones.

“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to health-care workers at VCH who have braved the uncertain and sometimes unknown, adapted and persevered, and have unwaveringly provided the best care possible to our patients, clients and residents.

“We would also like to extend our gratitude to our community members who continue to make decisions and sacrifices to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy and safe and who join us on the front line of this pandemic by following public health guidelines that are meant to protect us all.

“To those who have experienced hurt and loss because of COVID-19, our hearts are with you and we share in your sorrow.

“Acknowledging the toll these challenges have taken on our mental health, we would like to encourage our community to seek care if you are struggling with mental health concerns by visiting your family doctor or calling 8-1-1. For urgent care, call the Crisis Centre or KUU-US Crisis Response Services. For emergencies or if you do not feel like you can be safe right now, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. Help is here. 

“While it has been a long, challenging year, we have continued to endure and persevere, facing our fears, and testing our resilience. We have come together while staying apart. And now, with vaccination clinics opening, additional vaccine arriving and more people in our community becoming immunized from COVID-19, we have hope that we will soon be able to come together in person.

“We enter the second year of the global pandemic with hope for a better tomorrow.”

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is responsible for the delivery of $4.1 billion in community, hospital and long-term care to more than one million people in communities including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. VCH also provides specialized care and services for people throughout B.C.

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