Big List of Support Resources
If you know of a resource you think should be included feel free to email us.
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Lodging near Hospitals
Transportation to Cancer Treatments
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Large Resources Base for those living with Chronic Pain in Canada
Chronic Pain in Kids and Teens
Meaningful Life Occupational Therapy Can see clients across Canada virtually.
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Women’s Hospital Complex Chronic Diseases Program
The Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP) is a provincial referral centre that provides symptom-centred care to patients across BC experiencing myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia (FM), and symptoms attributed to Lyme disease (SALD).
Dr. Arseneau has courses and groups -About Dr. Ric Arseneau: | BC Centre for Long COVID, ME/CFS, & Fibromyalgia (BC-CLMF)
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Chronic Symptoms - The Vulvodynia Primary Care Toolkit - Home
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Patient Resources — UBC HOSPITAL MS CLINIC - Online support groups and referrals
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Support Groups by the People In Pain Network - Most ET time zone
Pain BC Support Groups - most in PST time zone
Often the healthcare system puts the burden of finding help on the patient. At Pain BC you can call the support line and get direct resources:
Are you looking for information, resources or support to help you or someone you know to live better with chronic pain? Call or text the Pain Support Line at 1-833-261-PAIN (7246).
Support Groups for CFS/ME
The Mighty. Making health about people. - Online Chat & Forum with others going through your chronic health issues. Support Groups as unique as you.
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Home & Community Care Services
Vancouver Coastal Health
Vancouver Central Intake for Home and Community Care (604-263-7377)
North Shore Community Health (604-986-7111)
Richmond Community Health (604-278-3361)
Fraser Health (1-855-412-2121)
Interior Health (250-569-7070)
Northern Health (250-565-2649)
Island Health
Victoria Community Access Centre (250-388-2273, 1-888-533-2737)
All communities south of Mill Bay, including Greater Victoria, the Southern Gulf Islands and west to Port Renfrew.
Nanaimo Community Access Centre (250-739-5749, 1-877-734-4101)
All communities from Mill Bay to Deep Bay, including Gabriola Island, and from Parksville on the east coast to beyond Tofino/Ucluelet on the west coast.
North Island Central Intake (250-331-8570, 1-866-928-4988)
All communities north of Deep Bay including the Mt. Waddington Regional District and the mainland area adjacent.
Each health authority offers care and services in your home and community, such as home care nursing, home support, residential care, assisted living, adult day programs, physical and occupational therapy, caregiver support, convalescent/respite care and end-of-life care. To access these services, you can refer yourself or have a family member call for you.
Health Services
Information on Medical Services Plan and BC PharmaCare. Visit website or call.
Call: 604-660-2421
Toll-Free: 1-800-663-7867For information and referrals regarding community, government, and social services in BC, visit website or call 2-1-1.
For general health information and access to general health professionals including a dietitian and pharmacist, visit website or call 8-1-1.
Information on government programs for health, housing, transportation, and finances. Visit website or call.
Call: 1-877-952-3181 -
BC Centre for Long COVID, ME/CFS, & Fibromyalgia Medication Handouts
drug search.ca for information on which drugs are covered (by which plans) and the costs
Google Scholar to find peer-reviewed articles
PharmaCare coverage
PharmaCare has several plans, including the Fair PharmaCare plan. You can be covered under several plans at once.
Register now for the Fair PharmaCare plan
B.C. residents are automatically covered by:
National Pharmacare Plan, which pays the full cost of many diabetes medications, menopausal hormonal therapy and contraceptives
Plan Z, which pays the full cost of opioid use disorder treatment, and more
If you have trouble paying for mental health prescriptions, ask a health professional if they can register you for Plan G
Do you want to quit smoking? A pharmacist can sign you up for the Smoking Cessation Program
If you are enrolled with the First Nations Health Authority, you are covered by Plan W
Other plans: Long-term Care (Plan B), Cystic Fibrosis (Plan D), Palliative Care (Plan P), Children in the At Home Program (Plan F), and Income Assistance (Plan C)
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Canadian Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
Visit website or call.
Call: 613-237-2925
Toll-Free: 1-800-267-8860Visit website or call.
Greater Vancouver: 604-408-2172
Elsewhere in BC: 1-866-577-2525Public Guardian and Trustee of BC
Visit website or call.
Call: 604-660-4444UBC Law Student Legal Advice Program
Visit website or call.
Call: 604-822-5791 -
Lends basic equipment including canes, walkers, and wheelchairs on a short-term basis. Requires a referral from a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, nurse or doctor. Visit the website or call the Vancouver Short Term Loan Program.
Call: 604-301-2566 -
Information on accessible transportation and travel across Canada. Visit website or call.
Call: 1-800-665-6478Visit website or call.
Call: 604-718-7744Visit website or call.
Call: 604-953-3680Help with travel expenses due to out-of-town medical appointments. Visit website or call.
Vancouver: 604-683-7151
Elsewhere in BC: 1-800-663-7100 -
BC Brain Wellness offers online zoom classes - Get Started — BC Brain Wellness Program
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Disability
Disability Income Support Resources - CCDP Video
Disability Alliance BC: 1-800-663-1278
SPARC BC (Social Planning and Research Council of BC) 604 718-7744 Disability parking pass for those who qualify
Taxi Saver Program: 778-452-2860 50 percent subsidy for HandyDART users
Low Cost Internet for People with Disabilities (PWD or CPPD) and Low Income Families with Children
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Find Help directory | Pain BC - great for finding a specific care provider that deals with your type of pain or disorder.
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Elysian Health Group
Second Opinions and Specialized Treatments
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