Healthy Living Community Updates Archives

Manitoba Substance Use and Addictions Awareness Week

Every year, Manitoba Substance Use and Addictions Awareness Week provides an opportunity for Manitobans from all walks of life to engage in meaningful discussions and explore solutions for addressing the harms caused by substance use and addictions. Manitoba Substance Use and Addictions Awareness Week runs from November 16-22 and the theme for 2025 is Anchoring Hope. Throughout the week several webinars discussing substance use and addiction will be held.

Visit https://sharedhealthmb.ca/services/mental-health/mha-education/msuaaw/ for more information on events taking place throughout the week.

Let’s Talk About Mental Health – Bell Let’s Talk Day

Join us for a Microsoft Teams presentation: Let’s Talk About Mental Health on Bell Let’s Talk Day, January 21, from 12:30–2:00 p.m.

Topics include understanding mental health, reducing stigma, how our nervous system responds to stress, and everyday coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and low mood. Follow the Microsoft Teams link below to join the session. We hope you can join the conversation.

Microsoft Teams – Let’s Talk About Mental Health

National Non-Smoking Week – January 18–24, 2026

Quitting smoking or vaping is one of the most effective ways to improve your overall health. During the third week of January, challenge yourself to quit or reduce commercial tobacco or vape use for a day, a week, a month—or longer. How would being smoke- or vape-free feel? Give it a try and see.

Support is available:

Northern Health Region: 204-681-3144

Smoker’s Helpline: 1-877-513-5333

Indigenous culturally based quit support: 1-833-998-8255

Tips for Quitting

Make a list of reasons you want to quit and set a quit date
Write out a quit plan
Seek support from health professionals, friends, and family
Plan distractions and prepare for challenging moments
Celebrate milestones and track the money you save

Weedless Wednesday – January 21, 2026

If you or someone you know smokes commercial tobacco, cannabis, or vapes, today is a great opportunity to try a 24-hour quit. Setting a short-term goal can be the first step toward long-term change.

Did You Know?

Research shows the average adult may try to quit smoking up to 30 times before quitting for good
There’s no wrong way to quit—every attempt counts
Smoking is Canada’s leading cause of preventable death
Quitting for just 24 hours can reduce your risk of having a heart attack

Need help or want to learn more?
Northern Health Region: 204-681-3144
Smoker’s Helpline: 1-877-513-5333
Indigenous culturally based quit support: 1-833-998-8255

National Non-Smoking Week – Helping Canadians live a Smoke-Free life

In Manitoba, more people are taking steps to quit smoking and vaping, and the numbers are inspiring. As of 2022, 14.1% of Manitobans smoke, down from 25.7% over two decades ago. Quitting is possible, and resources are available to help you become part of this positive trend.

Vaping is increasing in popularity. In Manitoba 7.8% of Manitobans vape, the highest rate in Canada. However, even as vaping rises, 42.4% of people who vape daily have made quit attempts in the last year, showing that many are motivated to stop.

If you’re thinking about quitting, 2025 could be your year!

Free Resources to Help You Quit Smoking or Vaping in Manitoba

You don’t have to do it alone. Manitoba offers many free tools and programs, whether you prefer in-person, virtual, or group support. Find the best option for you and take your first step today.

pink scrabble tiles saying "New Year New Opportunities"

Smokers’ Helpline

Great for: Virtual one-to-one support.

Offered by: Canadian Cancer Society

A free, confidential service offering phone coaching with a Quit Coach, text support for motivation, and access to an online community with tools and personalized quit plans available in multiple languages.

Talk Tobacco

Great for: Culturally tailored support for First Nation, Inuit, and Indigenous communities.

Offered by: Canadian Cancer Society

Provides free, confidential, and culturally appropriate support and information about quitting smoking or vaping, designed with input from Indigenous leaders and community members.

Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling Program

Great for: People who are ready to quit smoking or vaping in the next 30 days! Convenient, in-person support and financial aid for NRT.

Offered by: Shared Health Manitoba

Offers counselling sessions for low-income patients with a health professional and a Quit Card redeemable for up to $300 of nicotine replacement medications at any Manitoba pharmacy.

ManitobaQuits

Great for: Joining a virtual community with regular quit challenges.

Offered by: Manitoba Lung Association

A Facebook Group offering peer support and quit challenges with opportunities to win prizes.

Tools and support:

To learn more about quitting smoking, visit: Canada.ca/quit-smoking