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8-1-1 is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia. The 8-1-1 phone line is operated by HealthLink BC, which is part of the Ministry of Health.
By calling 8-1-1, you can speak to a health service navigator, who can help you find health information and services; or connect you directly with a registered nurse, a registered dietitian, a qualified exercise professional, or a pharmacist. Any one of these healthcare professionals will help you get the support you need to manage your health concerns, or those of your family.
For the deaf and hard of hearing
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can contact HealthLinkBC 8-1-1 using Video Relay Services (VRS), or Teletypewriter (TTY).
VRS provides the deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired with real time sign language interpretation by video. You can use VRS when making telephone calls using Internet and cell-phone based technologies. VRS is free to use for registered deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired Canadians who use sign language.
To use VRS, visit Video Relay Services to sign up and give them the number 604-215-5101 to call us.
People who are deaf and hard of hearing have always had access to HealthLinkBC 8-1-1 through a Teletypewriter (TTY) relay service by dialing 7-1-1. A TTY relay service call allows a person with a hearing or speech disability to reach a relay operator to facilitate a call with 8-1-1.
Health Service Navigators
When you call 8-1-1 you will be connected with a health service navigator. They can provide you with health information, help you navigate the health care system and find health services across the province, or connect you with a registered nurse, registered dietitian, qualified exercise professional, or pharmacist. Our navigators are available any time of the day or night, every day of the year.
Learn more about Navigation Services at HealthLink BC.
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses at HealthLink BC can help you with non-emergency health concerns, to discuss symptoms and procedures, and to recommend whether you should see a health care provider in person. At any time of the day or night, every day of the year, you can call 8-1-1 to ask a registered nurse your health questions.
Learn more about Nursing Services at HealthLink BC.
Registered Dietitians
Registered dietitians at HealthLink BC can answer your healthy eating and nutrition questions. They also provide specialized services for pediatric, oncology, and allergy nutrition. To speak with a registered dietitian, call 8-1-1 from 9am to 5pm Pacific Time Monday to Friday, or you can Email a HealthLinkBC Dietitian.
Learn more about Dietitian Services at HealthLink BC.
Qualified Exercise Professionals
Qualified exercise professionals at HealthLink BC can answer your physical activity and exercise questions. Qualified exercise professionals can prescribe physical activity and provide exercise advice or guidance to individuals of all ages and abilities. They also provide specialized services for pediatric and bariatric. To speak with a qualified exercise professional, call 8-1-1 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm Pacific Time, or you can Email Physical Activity Services.
Learn more about Physical Activity Services at HealthLink BC.
Pharmacists
You can call 8-1-1 to talk to a pharmacist about your medication questions. Our pharmacists are on call at 8-1-1 when your community pharmacist may be unavailable—every night from 5pm to 9am Pacific Time.
Learn more about Pharmacist Services at HealthLink BC.
Translation Services
8-1-1 provides translation services on request in more than 130 languages. After dialing 8-1-1, you will be connected with an English speaking health service navigator. To get service in another language, simply state the language you are looking for (example say “Punjabi”), and an interpreter will join the call.
To find resources that have been translated into Chinese, Farsi, French, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish, or Vietnamese, visit Translated Resources.
Last Updated: November 2017