Health & Development Services
Keeping Your Children Happy & Healthy
Keeping Your Children Healthy
This directory page contains listings for local services and programs for the health and development of children in the Lower Columbia region. Our region boasts a variety of services for young families. In this page you’ll find listings to address physical, mental and developmental health services for your child.
If you would like to talk to someone for help in connecting to the services and programs in our region, please call the Family Action Network at 1-855-368-3707 for assistance.
General Health Services & Programs
Kiro Wellness Centre
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Services include:
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Contact Information Address: Contact: Public Health Nurse |
Trail Area Health & Environment Program
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The Trail Area Health & Environment Program (THEP) is a community-led program promoting healthy living and the environment in the Trail, BC area. It offers free programs to keep children, pregnant women and families healthy and safe regarding smelter metals. This includes helpful information on how to reduce lead exposure at home, improve children’s nutrition, help you renovate safely and support your children’s healthy development. We offer in-home visits, free supplies, information, referrals, soil testing and other support, as needed. Expectant families and families with children under 3 years can receive an in-home visit from our Healthy Homes Program. This includes soil testing, identifying potential sources of lead exposure indoors and outdoors, and free supplies for keeping the dust down in the house and yard. Our staff will discuss the soil testing results and any yard improvement work or soil remediation that may be warranted. In the baby’s first 12 months, the family can receive a Healthy Families Program in-home visit from an Interior Health Public Health Nurse. The Public Health Nurse will answer parent’s questions about their children’s healthy development and how to prevent lead exposure. The Public Health Nurse can make referrals to other public health and early learning programs. If the family is planning or doing a home renovation, we would encourage them to use our Home Renovation Support Program. We provide free lead-safety supplies, loan of HEPA-filtered shop vacuums, advice on preventing lead exposure, and can even come on site and help set up the renovation space in the family’s home. Please contact the Trail Area Health & Environment Program if you live in Trail or Rivervale and:
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Contact Information Address: Contact: THEP Community Programs Office |
Hope Air
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Hope Air provides air transportation for medical appointments for those that can’t otherwise afforad transportation. To request a free flight please vist their website and fill out travel request form.
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Contact Information Address: Contact: HOPE Air |
Kootenay Paediatrics
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Kootenay Paediatrics has been caring for children and youth in the Kootenay Boundary region since 2015. Patients with medical, complex medical and mental health needs are seen on a consultative basis. Our pediatricians collaborate closely with sub-specialists at BC Children’s Hospital, ensuring patients have access to medical care otherwise unavailable in a rural community. To better support the specific needs of our patients, we are happy to be part of several specialized clinics. Diabetes, Asthma and Eating Disorders clinics are offered locally and consist of a team of highly trained individuals who provide exceptional care to patients and their families. Our Grand Forks outreach clinic has resumed. Due to limited space, families may still be asked to travel to Trail for an in-person office visit. |
Contact: Phone: 778-456-0030 Email: kootenaypeds@gmail.com Website: https://kootenaypeds.com/ |
Aboriginal Services & Programs
COINS (Circle of Indigenous Nations Society)
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Services include:
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Contact Information Contact: Program Coordinator |
West Kootenay and Boundary Aboriginal Early Years Program
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A partnership between Circle of Indigenous Nations Society, Kootenay Kids Society, Kootenay Family Place and Boundary and Individual Services Society. Together we provide a wide range of support and services to Aboriginal children ages 0-6 and their families across the region. Services include:
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Contact Information Contact: Program Coordinator |
Aboriginal Infant Program
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Aboriginal Infant and Aboriginal Supported Child Development is a Provincial program that is designed to specifically meet the needs of children with special needs. We recognize that inclusion and providing intervention and support in childcare settings during the early stages of development is important.
Families eligible for services can include birth, extended, adopted and foster families. Aboriginal families can be living on or off reserve, working or going to school or need support in any way with their child’s development. |
Contact Information Contact: Aboriginal Supported Child Development Coordinator |
MÉTIS Nation BC - Kootenays
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In additon to the Métis Family Connections program, which is for Métis families with children birth to 8 years. Métis Nations BC offers a wide range of programs, including housing, business and other family related services. You can find more information on thier website at Métis Nation British Columbia (mnbc.ca)
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Contact Information Contact: |
LGBTQ Services
AIDS Network Kootenay Outreach and Support Society (ANKORS)
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ANKORS (AIDS Network Kootenay Outreach and Support Society) provides a multitude of services and can be accessed by phone, mail, email or drop-in to one of their offices. ANKORS programs as based on the belief that services are provided in a non-judgmental manner to ensure an individual’s right to anonymity and access. Serving those living with and at the greatest risk for acquiring HIV/AIDS and/or HCV. ANKORS works with persons who have had difficulty obtaining services elsewhere due to social barriers, race, gender identity, substance use, mental illness, race or ethnicity. Services include:
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Contact Information Contact: ANKORS Outreach and Support |
Trail Opt Clinic
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Welcoming new and returning clients with no referral. The Opt clinic provides non-judgmental, youth friendly, pro-choice and sex-positive services for all genders, orientations and ages, focusing on reproductive and sexual health. Services include:
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Contact Information Contact: Kiro Wellness Centre |
Dental Health Services & Programs
Interior Health Dental Program
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The Interior Health Dental Program focuses services to children 0-6 years of age in various community settings (Health Centres, Child Development Centres, Community Agencies, Friendship Centers, and Schools). Services include risk assessments for dental decay, fluoride varnish clinics, preschool/daycare kits, school surveys, and presentations targeting high-risk groups and vulnerable populations. Dental staff can be reached and appointments made at your local health center. Services available include:
Appointments only. Eligibility 0-6 years of age. |
Contact Information Address: Contact: Program Coordinator |
Healthy Kids Program
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Helps low income families with the costs of basic dental care. Eligible clients include dependent children under 19 years of age who receive Medical Services Plan premium assistance through the Ministry of Health. Families who have been approved for MSP premium assistance will be signed up with the program. |
Contact: Program Coordinator |
Government of BC - Dental and Orthodontic Services
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Emergency dental services for the relief of pain are provided to all recipients of income assistance, disability assistance, and hardship assistance. Dentures are provided to recipients who meet specific eligibility criteria. Basic dental services, such as restorations, extractions, and preventative services are provided to recipients of income assistance and disability assistance who are eligible for general health supplements. Basic dental services are also provided to children in receipt of BC Employment and Assistance. Orthodontic services may be available to children in receipt of income assistance or disability assistance and adults with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation who have severe maxio-facial dental deformities. |
Contact Information Contact: Program Coordinator |
Save A Smile
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Supports children in need of urgent dental care. |
Contact Information Address: Contact: Program Coordinator |
Early Childhood Development Services & Programs
Infant Development Program
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For children from birth to 3 years old the Infant Development Program provides family-centered service that is parent-led and works with family strengths and priorities. Services are usually delivered in the child’s home. With the family’s permission, the consultant may work with other professionals in the community to offer necessary services for the child and his or her caregivers. Referrals can come from any source, including parent, physician, public health nurse or community professional. Participation is voluntary and free of charge. Services include:
Referral Form: |
Contact Information Address: Contact: Program Coordinator |
Resources and Support for Children with Disabilities
Supported Child Development
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Contact Information Address: Contact: Program Coordinator |
Kootenay Family Place Early Intervention Services
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Kootenay Family Place offers therapy for families with children who require specialized assistance. Therapy services at Kootenay Family Place aim to enhance the skills of children so that they can actively participate in areas such as play, learning and self care. Therapists work under a family centered care model that recognizes parents know their child best and it is through the family that a child’s needs are met. Therapy Programs are child centered. The location of treatment depends on the setting that best meets the child’s needs. A child may be seen at home, in the KFP Therapy room, preschool or where appropriate. Services available to Lower Columbia region families are Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. The Physiotherapy Program is funded by the Ministry for Children and Family Development to work with all children with gross motor and mobility issues up to the age of five years. A child may be eligible for services if they exhibit delays in reaching gross motor milestones, have issues with walking or balance, or if parents have concerns regarding the physical health of their child. Other common referral reasons are: Infant torticollis, plagiocephaly and flat feet. The Occupational Therapy Program is funded by the Ministry for Children and Family Development to work with children from birth through to entry into Kindergarten who display a delay or risk of delay in the following areas:
Speech & Language Pathology program (SLP) for children 0-5 years. The Pediatric SLPs work with children and their families on a wide variety of communication skills.
Referral Form: |
Contact Information Address: Phone number 250-365-8448
Physiotherapy Program Contact Occupational Therapy Program Contact Speech and Language Therapy Program Contact |
OCAI - Okanagan Centre for Autism Intervention (local Trail office)
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We provide individualized Early Intensive Behavior Intervention (EIBI) programming for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and support for children over 6 years old diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Services include:
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Contact Information Okanagan Centre for Autism Intervention
Phone 250-801-0820
Email autismservices@shaw.ca
Contact: Behavior Consultant |
Speech and Language Program
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Provides therapies for the prevention, identification, assessment and treatment of communication difficulties for children from birth to school entry. Interior Health speech language pathologists help with issues such as stuttering, voice, or hearing problems, pronunciation, language comprehension and use and social communication. Services include:
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Contact Information Address: Contact: Program Coordinator |
Children and Youth with Special Needs
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Children and Youth with Special Needs services are voluntary to parents raising a child with a Special Need. A division of the Ministry of Community and Family Development (MCFD), Children & Youth with Special Needs Social Workers are a family’s connection to the Autism Funding Branch, the At Home Program, and other Family Support Services. CYSN helps families work through the unique challenges associated with parenting a Special Needs Child and offer family-centered services that will best meet the needs of the child. |
Contact Information Address: Contact: CYSN Social Worker, Kootenay Boundary |
Movin' Mountains Therapy Services
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Movin’ Mountains therapy services are located in Trail BC. All services listed are private, fee for use. At Movin’ Mountains we believe that play-based therapies help kids succeed and support their needs. We all learn best and retain new information when we are experiencing a positive emotion. Your child will love to come to sessions and won’t even realize all the work that their brains and bodies are doing to grow. Whether at Movin’ Mountains, your home or in the community, all therapies are tailored to your family’s goals. At Movin’ Mountains we offer many services for adults as well. These include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and clinical counselling. We are committed to meeting needs in our community, and providing services that are difficult to access or are not otherwise offered in our community. We are excited to empower you move your own mountains, and return to the activities of life that you enjoy. Services include:
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Contact Information Address 1159 Pine Ave. Trail, British Columbia Contact: |
Kootenay SLP
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With a client and family centered approach to therapy, the client and/or parent are considered essential parts of the therapy team. We value collaboration, relationship, and evidence-based practice. Kootenay SLP is proud to offer assessment and treatment for a wide variety of speech and language concerns including:
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Contact: Stephanie Lem |
Family Support Institute of BC
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The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not for profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grass roots family-to-family organization with a broad volunteer base. FSI’s supports and services are FREE to any family. |
Contact: Stephanie Lem Phone: 1-800-441-5403 Email: Website: https://familysupportbc.com |
Mental Health Resources for Children and Families
Kelty Mental Health
Learn more about what the Kelty Centre offers, as well as our background and partners, here |
Contact Information Address: Contact: |
Family Smart BC
| We committed ourselves over 20 years ago to child and youth mental health and our commitment has only grown over time. Exceptional care and caring is what children, youth and families deserve and it’s what we stay committed to.We help children and young people by helping their family and other caring adults.We know children and young people do better when the adults who care about them are supported. |
Contact Information Address: Contact: Program Coordinator |
Child and Youth Mental Health Services
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CYMH works with children, youth up to 19 years old and their families. Some of the key mental health issues addressed by CYMH include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, other mood disorders, some problematic and risk behaviours, infant mental health, self-harm behaviour and suicidality. Families can self-refer to these services. A walk-in intake clinic is held each week on Thursdays from 1pm-3pm. |
Contact Information Address: Contact: Program Coordinator |
Kootenay Boundary Map for Child/Youth Mental Health Services
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KB Searchlight is an initiative of the Kootenay Boundary Action Team, coordinated locally by Kootenay Boundary Division of Family Practice and hosted by partner agency, Kootenay Family Place. Other action team members include families, doctors, mental health counsellors, school administrators, health authority staff, community agencies and more. Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use, or suicidal thoughts, we can help link you to the right services in your community. |
Contact Information |
Mental Health Services for Children and Youth (PDF)
Kootenay Clinical Counselling
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I help clients address and overcome life issues related to: anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism (ASD), suicidal thoughts and actions, substance use and addictions, men’s issues, career planning, relationship issues (couples counselling is not provided at this time), existential crisis, gender identity and formation, interpersonal and family issues (parent training and support), grief and loss, abuse, and trauma. I am a member of open path which provide affordable counselling options to accommodate those in financial need. You can apply and view my profile on that site here. Kooteany Clinical Counselling accepts Autism Funding. Therapies Used:
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Contact: Kootenay Counselling Phone: 250-362-5035 2038 Washington Ave, Rossland BC Email: info@kootenaycounselling.ca Website: www.kootenaycounselling.ca |