Mental Health Information   

National Volunteer Week 2025 – Making Waves across the NHR

volunteers make waves

April 27 – May 3, 2025

This National Volunteer Week, the Northern Health Region proudly joins communities across Canada in recognizing the incredible impact of volunteers. This year’s theme, “Volunteers Make Waves,” speaks to the powerful and lasting effects that even small acts of generosity can create — ripples that grow into meaningful change in our communities.

Throughout northern Manitoba, volunteers are making waves every day. Their time, compassion, and commitment help us deliver care, strengthen community ties, and ensure that residents across the region feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether they’re offering a kind word to a resident in a personal care home, providing comfort to patients and families in hospital settings, or dedicating countless hours to local health foundations and auxiliaries, volunteers are making a difference — one moment at a time.

Volunteers are at the heart of community health. They enhance our services, bridge the gap between our teams and the people we serve, and bring new energy, ideas, and empathy to the healthcare system. Their presence fosters engagement, trust, and collaboration, and helps keep our facilities rooted in the unique strengths and spirit of the North.

In our region, volunteers support a wide range of initiatives. The Northern Health Foundation Inc. plays a key role in raising funds for major capital projects that benefit the entire health region. To learn more about the Foundation’s work or to get involved, visit www.northernhealthfoundation.ca.

We also acknowledge the vital support of The Pas Health Complex Foundation Inc., which can be found on Facebook at
TPHC Foundation and the longstanding commitment of our local Health Auxiliaries in Flin Flon, Snow Lake, The Pas, and Thompson. These groups help enhance patient care and support front-line staff in countless ways — from fundraising and advocacy to hands-on involvement in care settings.

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back — it’s also about connection. Many volunteers find deep personal fulfillment in helping others and strengthening their communities. It’s a chance to meet new people, develop skills, explore career interests, and be part of something bigger than themselves. The impact of volunteering is often mutual — what’s given returns tenfold in meaning, growth, and joy.

The Northern Health Region extends heartfelt thanks to each and every volunteer who chooses to give their time, energy, and care to support our work. Your dedication continues to inspire us, and your presence makes our region stronger, healthier, and more connected. You truly do make waves.

If you’re interested in volunteering within the Northern Health Region, we’d love to hear from you. Join us and be part of the ripple effect.  https://northernhealthregion.com/volunteer-opportunities/

Notice to the Public: Flin Flon General Hospital Emergency Dept. Entry

Construction will be taking place at the Flin Flon General Hospital Emergency Department. This work is scheduled to begin at 7:30 AM on Tuesday, April 29th with expected completion to be at 7:30 AM on Friday, May 2nd.

During this time the public are asked to please use the main entrance of the hospital, register at the main admitting desk, and use the temporary Emergency Department waiting room that is located by the main admitting desk.

For emergency services please call 9-1-1.

For general health concerns please present to the facility for all health-related assistance.

We thank you for your cooperation.

Flin Flon General Hospital Emergency Department Entry

Flin Flon Emergency Department

Construction will be taking place at the Flin Flon General Hospital Emergency Department. This work is scheduled to begin at 7:30 AM on Tuesday, April 29th with expected completion to be at 7:30 AM on Friday, May 2nd.

During this time the public are asked to please use the main entrance of the hospital, register at the main admitting desk, and use the temporary Emergency Department waiting room that is located by the main admitting desk.

For emergency services please call 9-1-1.

For general health concerns please present to the facility for all health-related assistance.

We thank you for your cooperation.

National Immunization Awareness Week 2025

national immunization awareness week graphic

April 21–30, 2025

Not long ago, diseases like polio, measles, and diphtheria had devastating consequences – paralysis, stillbirth, long-term illness, and even death. Thanks to vaccines, many of these outcomes are now preventable.

Immunization saves lives.

Vaccines have transformed public health, but it’s important not to take this progress for granted. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines is vital for everyone – from infants to older adults.

Don’t let history repeat itself. Protect your future. Get immunized.

Vaccine recommendations change over time, and many adults may not realize they’re due for certain vaccines. Immunization isn’t just for children – it’s a lifelong commitment to health.

To learn more about which vaccines are recommended for you and your family, visit Immunize Canada and explore resources during National Immunization Awareness Week.

https://www.immunize.ca/niaw

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.

NEW SERVICE – 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

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.

Get Better Together – Register Today!

Sick and tired of being sick and tired? Then find out more about the Get Better Together Program beginning March 19th, 2025 in The Pas. 

Join hundreds of people who have decided to start living better with their health issue by signing up for Get Better Together. Get Better Together is a FREE program designed for anyone living with ANY TYPE of ongoing health issue. Build your confidence to manage through support and discussion on a wide variety of topics including: physical activity, muscle relaxation, managing pain and fatigue, healthy eating, positive thinking, dealing with difficult emotions and more.

When: March 19, 2025 – April 23, 2025 @ 6:00 PM

Where: The Pas Primary Health Care Centre 111 Cook Avenue

For more info or to register for the program beginning on March 19th ,2025 call 204-627-6419 or [email protected].