Aug. 7, 2026
As wildfires continue to affect communities across British Columbia, residents who have been displaced from their homes are being reminded that local pharmacists can help ensure continued access to essential medications if prescriptions have been left behind, supplies are running low, or regular pharmacies are inaccessible.
Displacement due to wildfire can create significant challenges for people who rely on prescription medications to manage health conditions. In B.C., pharmacists are authorized to use their professional judgement to determine if they can safely provide patients with an emergency supply.
Pharmacies also have records of patients' medication histories through PharmaNet, regardless of what pharmacy a patient regularly uses.
Residents who have been evacuated or displaced should consider the following steps:
- Visit any community pharmacy as soon as possible if your supply of medication is running low
- Bring government-issued identification and a Personal Health Number (PHN)
- Inform the pharmacist about any medications currently being taken
- Ask the pharmacist about prescription renewal options or emergency medication supplies if a current prescription is unavailable
With more than 1,400 pharmacies located throughout British Columbia in virtually every community, pharmacists are the most accessible health-care professionals in the province and are well positioned to support patients during emergencies.
For more information, please contact:
Michael Mui
Manager, Communications
michael.mui@bcpharmacy.ca