Healthy Living Community Updates
International Harm Reduction Day
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
Mental Health Week 2026 – Come Together, Canada
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 ...
Covid Spring Booster
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 ...
Green Shirt Day – The Logan Boulet Effect
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.
...Nutrition Month: Tips for Healthy Eating
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...