The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact rural and remote regions in northern BC at a disproportionate rate compared with the rest of the province. Help being offered by Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS) physicians – available 24/7 over Zoom – has been welcomed with open arms. And physicians are reporting that RTVS is having an impact on outcomes and helping to alleviate the challenges of rural medicine during the pandemic.

On February 15, 2025, in Prince George, BC, Aaron Vanderpool and his partner will host This Hug is 20 Seconds, a community event born from the memory of their child, Taraji, who passed away in 2022. This initiative invites people to pause and share the healing power of a simple 20-second hug, reminding us that even in grief, moments of empathy and connection can help us heal.