Mental Health Information   

Measles in Manitoba – What to Know

measles graphic

Measles is highly contagious Symptoms can include high fever, red eyes, runny nose, cough and a blotchy, red rash. It can cause serious complications like pneumonia and brain swelling (encephalitis).

Immunization is the best way to prevent measles. Talk to your local public health office or call Health Links – Info Santé about how to catch up (1-888-315-9257) to ensure everyone is up to date. If you are planning to travel with an infant between 6 months and 12 months of age, talk to your health care provider about early measles vaccination.

Unsure if you have received the measles vaccine and want to check your immunization records? Have questions about the vaccine? Talk to your health-care provider or local public health office or request your records online: https://ow.ly/KlIy50Vg4fv

Resources and more can be found here: Measles Public Heath Factsheet

Pan-Canadian Tobacco Proceedings

hands breaking cigarette

The Pan-Canadian Tobacco Proceedings are a legal process where tobacco companies are being held accountable for the harm caused by their products. As part of this, there will be a claims process for people with certain smoking-related illnesses, but it has not been approved by the Court yet.

Some websites are popping up that look like official sources but are not. The only approved websites for claim information are:

https://www.tobaccoclaimscanada.ca/en (outside Quebec)

https://www.recourstabac.com/ (Quebec)

If you think you or a family member may be eligible, wait until the Court formally approves the plan before beginning the claims process. You can visit either of the above sites for information and updates, and sign up to receive email notifications so you’re the first to know when claims can officially be submitted.

No other websites, legal services, or law firms have been approved for claim information or support. The claims process:

  • does not require legal guidance
  • does not require paying a fee
  • does not allow applications before the Court’s approval

Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance is tracking the proceedings and sharing updates on their website here.

Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine – Digital Front Door

The Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinics are now offering a new virtual resource for programs and clients. For those unfamiliar with RAAM, these clinics provide low-barrier, drop-in services for individuals seeking help with substance use and addiction. There are seven RAAM clinics in Manitoba: Winnipeg (3), Thompson, Brandon, Selkirk, and Portage la Prairie, each staffed with medical and allied health professionals.

Last year, the clinics launched virtual drop-in services through the Digital From Door (DFD) program. The DFD offers an option for individuals who face barriers to accessing in-person services, such as stigma, caregiving responsibilities, transportation issues, or physical mobility challenges. Service providers can also access support through the DFD.

To help spread the word about the RAAM Digital From Door (DFD) service, we encourage you to:

  • Use the service: http://sharedhealthmb.ca/raamdfd
  • Let others know about the service if you or someone you know could benefit.
  • Share this information with friends, family, or community groups who might need it.

Online service to help with addictions

International Women’s Day – Building Culturally Safe Care Through Communication

Alice Sayese knows and loves her community. For 22 years, she has developed relationships and provided support and comfort to clients and patients in her role as Indigenous Liaison Worker at The Pas Health Complex/St.  Anthony’s General Hospital in Manitoba’s Northern Health Region.

“I started working here (at The Pas) 32 years ago as a dietary aide, worked as a cook after that, and then applied for this job when it became available,” said Sayese. “I know this community and the surrounding communities. I’m very approachable and easy to talk to and my first language is Cree, I think that’s why I was offered the job.”  

“I love working with the Elders and I’m often the first call when they step into the hospital,” said Sayese, who often supports patients and staff when they experience language barriers. “The emergency department will call me and I’ll go down to translate for them, to help them share what their problem is with the doctors or nurses.”

There are many different dialects in the area and Sayese spends much of her time supporting communication and helping patients feel at ease, even telling jokes at times to break the ice. It’s a role she knows is making a difference and having a positive impact on patients. 

“You can see they appreciate that I’m here to listen, to translate what they hope to receive from the staff at the hospital, and to help get their needs met,” said Sayese. “The highlight of my job is getting to help someone who is stressed, being supportive, keeping them calm, and making sure they don’t feel alone or lonely.” 

In her role, Sayese shares her time with those in palliative care and with residents at St Paul’s Personal Care Home. She finds her days very fulfilling, being a support to those when they need it most.

“In challenging times, sometimes people just need that communication. They could be lonely or acting out and all they need is for someone, in their own language, to help calm them.”

With her knowledge of – and connections to the community, Sayese often goes above and beyond for patients, connecting them with spiritual care, accessing replacement clothing and other items that may make their time at the hospital more comfortable.

“I do a little bit of everything,” she said. “I find them the supports they need. Even if it is someone without a phone. It’s a small community.”

Her valuable work is helping to reduce barriers, improve access to culturally safe health care and feel a sense of fulfillment about the impact of her job.

“Becoming a dietary aide was a good starting point for me but there were (and are) so many career opportunities here,” she said. “The hospital is a great and busy place, there’s a lot of ways to grow.”

As part of International Women’s Day, Manitoba’s health system is shining a light on some of the many incredible women in health care who dedicate themselves to the health and wellbeing of Manitobans each and every day.