Session 4(b): Environmental and Community Health in Northern BC: From Sustainability to Youth Engagement
October 23rd, 2:05pm - 3:05pm | Virtual, link to come
This session will feature a series of oral presentations highlighting current research, evaluation and quality improvement projects. Each speaker will have 15 minutes to share their work, followed by 5 minutes for questions and discussion. Join us to hear in-depth presentations, gain new insights, and engage directly with presenters during the Q&A.
PRESENTATIONS:
- Title: Understanding Industrial Environmental Health Impacts in Northeastern BC: A Community-Based Mixed-Methods Study
- Speaker: Darryn DiFrancesco
- Description: This study examines environmental and health impacts of industrial activity in the Peace River Valley through a community-based participatory research approach guided by Two-Eyed Seeing. Combining biomonitoring of trace elements in traditional foods and biological samples with photovoice storytelling by West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations members, the project integrates scientific evidence with lived experience. The findings will address critical knowledge gaps, support community advocacy, and inform environmental health policy while centering Indigenous voices and priorities.
- Title: Elevating Youth Voices to Promote Healthy Futures in the Nechako Watershed: Insights from Efforts to Address the Nexus of Climate Change, Community and Health
- Speaker: Jonathan Doyon
- Description: This study explores how youth voices can be elevated to address interconnected climate, community, and health issues in the Nechako Watershed. Guided by strength-based, Indigenous, and Two-Eyed Seeing approaches, interviews with youth, educators, health professionals, and community members revealed six key themes, including relationship building, connection to place, and youth empowering youth. Findings highlight the vital role of intergenerational engagement in fostering resilience and healthier futures for rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.
- Title: Reducing Single-Use Plastic in Systemic Therapy Medication Transport: A Planetary Health Initiative at BC Cancer – Centre for the North
- Speaker: Devi Milligan
- Description: At BC Cancer – Centre for the North, staff identified and eliminated an unnecessary double-bagging practice in transporting systemic therapy medications. By aligning procedures with existing safety guidelines, the team reduced plastic waste by approximately 70 single-use bags per week, lowered incineration volume, improved staff workflow, and maintained full regulatory compliance. This small but meaningful change demonstrates how sustainable practices in healthcare can benefit the environment, operations, and staff well-being—without compromising patient safety.