Healthy Living Community Updates

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 ...

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.

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

Avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke by drinking lots of water, take breaks indoors from the heat or stay in the shade ...

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 ...

Harm reduction in Manitoba is a public health approach focused on keeping people safe and connected to care, even if they are still using substances. It meets people where they are and helps reduce risks like overdose and the spread of infections.

It’s a valuable resource because it saves lives, supports healthier communities, and builds trust—making it more likely people will seek care and support when they’re ready.

Learn more about Harm Reduction

• Manitoba Harm Reduction Network – Manitoba Harm Reduction Network
• Naloxone Finder – Take Home Program | Health | Province of Manitoba
• Harm Reduction and Population and ...
  
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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 ...

Starting May 1, 2026, until June 30, 2026, some individuals are recommended to also receive a second dose to mitigate the waning protection from COVID-19 vaccines.

Those who received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine since fall 2025 and who meet the following criteria may receive an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine, provided it has been at least three (3) months since their most recent dose:

• Adults 65 years of age and older
• Indigenous people 45 years of age and older, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, regardless of place of residence
• Adult residents of long-term care homes and ...
  
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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 ...
  
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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.