This September, the CMHA HOPE Learning Centre is offering a selection of free online courses and learning opportunities for the public.

As part of World Suicide Prevention Day, join us online on September 10 for a special presentation focused on suicide awareness and prevention. While this is not a course, it offers an opportunity to learn more about this important topic and how we can support suicide prevention in our communities.

All events are online and free to attend. View the course descriptions and register by clicking on the titles below.

As parents, we want our kids to stay healthy, now and in the future. One simple step in Grade 6 can help protect them from several types of cancer later in life.

In Manitoba, vaccines for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and Hep B (Hepatitis B) are offered free by the Grade 6 school immunization program. The HPV vaccine can prevent cancers of the mouth, throat, cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, and anus. The Hep B vaccine can prevent liver cancer.

Vaccines are offered at school by trained public health professionals.

School clinics make it easy. No appointment to book, no extra trip for your busy family. This fall, watch for the Grade 6 vaccine information and consent package from the school. Taking a few minutes to review and return the signed form helps make sure your child gets these vaccines at school. It’s a simple, convenient way to protect their health for years to come.

HPV and Hep B vaccines are an important part of long-lasting cancer protection.

Getting the vaccines in grade 6 helps your child build the best immune response and protects them before they are exposed to these viruses.

These vaccines have been safely used for many years. Like any vaccine, there can be mild side effects, such as a sore arm or feeling tired. These side effects usually go away quickly.

If your kid missed their vaccines in Grade 6, it’s not too late. They can still receive the HPV and Hep B vaccines for free through a doctor or nurse, and they can get free HPV vaccine from a pharmacist.

Give your kids their best shot at a healthy future. Check ‘YES’ to the HPV and Hep B vaccines on the Grade 6 consent form to prevent cancer later in life.

To learn more, visit cancercare.mb.ca/vaccines or talk to a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Bring on those warm Manitoba summers we spend so many months waiting for!

Check out these summer safety tips and resources to keep in mind while we are out enjoying the sunshine.

Protect your skin

Taking precautions can help prevent your chance of skin damage.  Wear a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.  Stay out of the sun at the hottest part of the day (11am to 4pm).

Enjoy the sun safely | Canadian Cancer Society

Stay cool

Avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke by drinking lots of water, take breaks indoors from the heat or stay in the shade when possible and be aware of the signs and symptoms to cool down when your body needs it.

When It’s Hot Poster

Safe swim

Whether you and your family are in a pool or lake, take care.  Use life jackets (especially on the boat), be aware of swimming ability of those around you, know your limits and your environment.  And always stay within arms reach of little ones.  Drownings happen fast and are often preventable.

Summer Water Safety

Bike safety

Teach road safety to our children, kids should not be allowed to ride alone until they are 10 years old.  Make sure you and your kids are riding a bike that’s the right size for you and fasten up that helmet so it fits properly.

Cycling – Parachute

This year, we recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Thompson on June 17 with an afternoon of learning, reflection, and community connection focused on protecting the dignity, safety, and well-being of older adults. Program begins at 1:30 p.m. and includes remarks from Leigh Anne Caron, Elder Jack Robinson, a presentation on AI and scams by Jarome Connell, and a lived experience shared by rescuing family members.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day raises awareness about the many forms of abuse older adults can face, including financial exploitation, neglect, emotional abuse, scams, and social isolation. It also highlights the importance of community support, education, and open conversations to help seniors, families, and caregivers recognize warning signs and respond safely.

Come Together, Canada

This Mental Health Week, we’re focusing on connection, understanding, and showing up for one another.

Each year, we take time to build awareness and understanding of the mental health challenges many of us experience. In fact, one in five Canadians will face a mental health challenge in any given year—but many won’t seek help.

For some, stigma, discrimination, or a lack of supports make it hard to come forward. For others, it can feel easier to keep things to themselves. While that may feel like a way to cope, it can also become a heavy burden—leading many to struggle in silence.

This week is about changing that.

It’s about creating space—for honest conversations, for compassion, and for connection. It’s about building communities where people feel safe to share what they’re going through and access the care and support they need.

Together, we can break down barriers.
Together, we can make it easier to reach out.
Together, we can support mental well-being for all.

Let’s come together, Canada—and remind each other that no one has to go through it alone.

Visit https://cmha.ca/event/cmha-mental-health-week/ for more information.

Green Shirt Day was created to honour the legacy of Logan Boulet and inspire Canadians to support organ and tissue donation. His selfless decision sparked the nationwide “Logan Boulet Effect,” leading to a record number of donor registrations and conversations across the country.

Green Shirt Day encourages Canadians to wear green, talk with their families about their wishes, and register as donors—helping save lives and bring hope to those in need. Visit About – Green Shirt Day to learn more.

March is Nutrition Month, a time to highlight the importance of making healthy food choices that support overall health and well-being. Eating well helps provide energy, supports growth and development, and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

• Include a variety of foods in your meals such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and protein foods.
• Choose protein foods like fish, eggs, beans, lentils, dairy products, or lean meats to help keep you full and support muscle health.
• Plan meals ahead to help stretch your food budget and make healthy meals easier to prepare.
• Use frozen or canned fruits and vegetables when fresh options are limited—they are nutritious and last longer.
• Keep affordable protein options on hand, such as canned fish, beans, or lentils.
• Include traditional foods like fish, wild game, and berries when available—they are nutritious and an important part of northern diets.
• Drink water regularly and try to limit sugary drinks.
• Eat regular meals throughout the day to help maintain energy and focus.

Healthy eating looks different for everyone, but making small, positive food choices each day can support your health now and in the future. Visit Canada’s Food Guide for more information.

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.