In 2005, South Vancouver Island had 275 family practitioners and specialists for every 100,000 people. This is a 10% increase since 2000, and compares favourably with the provincial rate of 200 per 100,000, and the national rate of 191 per 100,000. Source

Almost 16% of the population on South Vancouver Island 12 and over reported smoking daily or occasionally in 2005. This is less than the 18.4% who reported smoking in 2003, and compares favourably with the province and nationally at 17.8% and 21.7% respectively. Source

Mothers on South Vancouver Island have a high rate of breastfeeding their newborns. In 2005/06, 78.1% of newborns were fed exclusively with breast milk compared to 69.9% of newborns in BC overall. Breastfeeding is associated with lower rates of sudden infant death syndrome, obesity, Type 1 diabetes, respiratory infections, ear infections, gastrointestinal problems, asthma and allergies and other diseases including heart and liver disease in adulthood. Source In 2006, participation in the LIFE (Leisure Involvement for Everyone) program increased to 7,432 people compared to 6,586 in 2005. LIFE assists individuals and families with low incomes to access recreation programs and services. In 2006, the program resulted in 41,677 visits to local recreation centres. Source #1 Source #2

Self-rated health is a good indicator of overall health. In 2005, 65.1% of people 12 and over on South Vancouver Island reported having excellent or very good health, up from 61.1% in 2003. These compare favourably with BC rates at 58.9% in 2005 and 60% in 2003. Source #1

The NEED crisis and information line offers emotional support, crisis intervention and information on community resources. In 2006/07, the 24-hour line took over 13,267 calls. Source