Mental Health is Everyone’s Story

“Today is where your book begins / The rest is still unwritten” – Natasha Bedingfield

Since 1951, The Canadian Mental Health Association has hosted Mental Health Week, which takes place annually during the first week in May. In 2023, Mental Health Week will take place from May 1^st until the 7^th, and the theme this year is “My Story.” The choice of My Story highlights the reality that we all have a mental health story that we can share, which evolves. This story is shaped by many forces, notably the emotional and practical support that we receive in our lives, which guides us, protects us, and elevates us, along with our resilience and coping tools and the resources and programs we utilize in our communities. Learn more about Mental Health Week here.

The emotional benefits of storytelling and journal writing are well documented in the scientific literature. The act of writing something out makes it more tangible; what existed as internal and hidden can be expressed, seen, heard, and with that, perhaps easier to manage or put away, if needed. We can organize our thoughts, and review our story, reflecting on our resourcefulness and fortitude. There is also the importance of sharing one’s journey with others. A story can be told in many ways, through a speech, conversation, written story, poem, painting, video, or song, to name a few. It is not just the act of telling or writing but knowing that what you share will be read or viewed by others and the hope that someone else might be inspired or helped by your story. For those on the receiving end, listening to others’ stories can also be validated in that we may be experiencing similar concerns, overcoming similar obstacles, and perhaps have similar circumstances. By witnessing someone else’s story, we also learn from their wisdom and experience. Sharing one’s mental health story is one of the most effective ways to reduce stigma (other or self) toward people who experience mental health issues. It may also remind those going through challenging times that there is light and hope.

In her research on the benefits of sharing one’s story, Dr. Sherry Hambe, Clinical Psychologist and Director of the Life Paths Research Program at the University of the South, offers the following points:

Realizing that sharing your story can help others. This can be especially powerful for people who do not always feel that they have the chance to support others on their journeys.
Finding your voice. Expressing yourself and thinking about what has happened in your life in a way that makes sense. It helps to think about how the various events—even the distressing ones—have been part of a journey toward the person you want to become.
Re-affirming your values and priorities. The act of expression can be a way to clarify what is important.
Finding peace, finding hope. People who have shared their stories often find a sense of peace, well-being, and freedom and a way to let go of elements that hindered them, such as anger or guilt.

Despite the many benefits of storytelling, it is important to remember that your story is shared in a manner, a platform, and an audience that is safe and trustworthy. Also, share your story from your viewpoint and that you are talking about yourself. Please refrain from talking about others unless you have their permission, and even then, keep it about you. It is also best to think about your boundaries before telling your story. There may be aspects of your story that you wish to keep private. You do not have to tell all of your stories or answer questions you do not want to answer. Finally, telling your story may be an emotional experience, and it is important to have support to lean on during and after the storytelling process.

For more information on how to tell one’s mental health story, visit the “Sharing Your Personal Story- Speaker’s Toolkit”.

Although beneficial, telling your story does not replace seeking help. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns, the following services are available in the Prairie Mountain Health Region:

CRISIS – SOUTH DISTRICT (formerly Brandon, Assiniboine)

Adult crisis line, 24/7: 1-888-379-7699
Youth Under 18 crisis line 24/7: 1-866-403-5459
Crisis Stabilization Unit: 1-855-222-6011 or 204-727-2555
Mobile Crisis Services: 204-725-4411

CRISIS – NORTH DISTRICT (former Parkland)

Adult and Youth Crisis Line, (24/7): 1-866-332-3030

NON-CRISIS – SOUTH

Adult Community Mental Health Intake: 1-855-222-6011 (M-F 8:30-4:30)
Youth (17 and under) Community Mental Health Intake, see resources here.

NON-CRISIS – NORTH

Mental Health Intake (all ages)
- Roblin: 204-937-2151
- Ste. Rose du Lac: 204-447-4080
- Swan River: 204-734-6601
- Dauphin: 204-638-2118

Learn more about accessing Mental Health Services here.

Health Excellence Grant Erickson Health Centre

In November 2022, Kim Toews (Care Team Manager for Erickson, McCreary and Sandy Lake) applied for the Healthcare Excellence Canada Grant to make improvements to the Erickson Health Centre and she was successful! “Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC) works with partners to spread innovation, build capability, and catalyze policy change so that all Canadians have safe and high-quality healthcare (To learn more visit: Foundations for QI (healthcareexcellence.ca).

Christa Veitch was hired as the Project Manager and has been working with Kim and the Erickson Health Centre staff to implement simple, evidence-based wellness strategies for staff and residents. These strategies aim to strengthen the overall wellness of staff on an individual level, as well as improve the team culture and facility atmosphere. These efforts will not only help the Erickson Staff live a higher quality of life but will also ensure the highest quality of care to residents and patients is consistently provided.

To kick off the project, Christa held training sessions for the staff featuring the importance of improving one’s mental, emotional, and physical wellness and introduced various wellness strategies. Two main strategies were chosen to implement into the workplace. One is the practice of deep breathing prior to and throughout the workday, the other is the practice of expressing daily gratitude. Each day, deep breathing is practiced with the staff before they start their shift and encouraged throughout the day. The Gratitude Board was created for staff to write a kind word or statement of gratitude before they leave the building at the end of the day. The residents are also practicing deep breathing as part of their daily activities.

On a bi-weekly basis, Christa has been creating a newsletter called “Your Mental Wellness Matters” which features a new wellness topic, self-care tips, and communication for staff regarding the project.

Fun is a critical element of wellness, so the Erickson Elementary students provide a “Joke of the Day” for everyone to enjoy. Also, there is a monthly challenge for staff (for example “scavenger hunts” where staff investigate which co-worker matches the statements they are given and then provide proof with their colleague’s initials i.e. find a person who wears crocs all year round). This has created a lot of chatting and laughs!

We plan to increase connections with staff by hosting events such as barbecues, a theatre event and possibly other events in Riding Mountain National Park.

To measure the project’s success, Holly Reimer (Decision Support Analyst) created a pre-project survey for all staff to complete that captured current personal wellbeing measurements. This survey will be re-issued to the staff members three more times throughout the year to measure results. Holly is also measuring financial data related to attendance that may offer additional measurements of staff well-being related to this project. Additional data is collected on the daily strategies as well.

We are only 4 months in, and it is safe to say this project has had a positive impact! Success would not be possible without the support of Tracey McFarlane, Activity Recreation Coordinator. Tracy has played a major role in helping us reach the project goals. We also have an excellent leadership group who has encouraged the staff to practice the wellness strategies daily. The staff members have been open-minded to learning new ways to improve their wellness, and have encouraged each other to participate and have fun with this new way of working.

We look forward to continuing to make strides in improving the overall wellness of the residents and staff at Erickson Health Centre! Thank you to the Health Care Excellence Grant for this amazing opportunity.

To learn more about this project, contact Christa Veitch – [email protected]

Food strategies to fight inflation

Feeling deflated with how prices have inflated? Try these strategies to help your food dollars go further.

Make a menu and stick to it

Take stock of what you have in the fridge, freezer and pantry. Use what you have and what’s on sale to plan your main meals for the week.

Plan some plant-based meals

Manitoba is the second largest producer of dry beans in Canada (1)! Dry beans are an excellent source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. Drain and rinse a can of beans to top a salad, stir into a soup or replace ground meat in your favorite pasta sauce. Try out the black bean and corn salsa recipe below as a topper for tacos or transform the leftovers into a topper for scrambled eggs or just enjoy on its own!

Shop with the seasons

It pays back in price and quality to shop in season. Summer is bursting with cherries, berries, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, peas, beans and more. In colder months, take advantage of produce that stores well like apples, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. When on sale, stock up on frozen, canned and dried options to take the place of fresh in off seasons or between grocery shopping trips.

It doesn’t have to look perfect to taste great

Combat food waste and rising cost by taking home less than perfect looking produce from grocery store clearance sections, apps like Flashfood or dedicated store fronts like the Food Rescue Grocery Store in Brandon. Imperfect produce makes delicious smoothies, soups, stews and baked goods. Stale breads can be given a second chance as French toast, croutons or bread crumbs.

For more tools to get started with meal planning, making the most of your food budget and great recipes, check out the information and tools from www.unlockfood.ca.

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
½ cup chopped onion
1 chopped green pepper
1 chopped orange, red or yellow pepper
1-2 tablespoons canned jalapenos, finely chopped (optional)
1-2 tablespoons brine from canned jalapenos (optional)

Dressing
1/3 cup white sugar
¾ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup canola or olive oil

In a small pot, over medium heat, stir together dressing ingredients and bring to a boil. Let cool.
Mix beans, peppers, onion, corn and jalapeno juice (if using).
Pour dressing over mixture.
For best flavor, chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Reference

https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/protein/protein-supply/dry-beans.html

MAY is Speech and Hearing Month

Speak well. Hear well. Live well.

Many of us take our speech, hearing and swallowing for granted. We often do not think about it until something happens to our own health, or that of a loved one.

Have you worked with a Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist before? We have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and can help you understand the challenges you may be facing with your communication, hearing or swallowing. We can help find a solution that works for your life, and gets you back involved in the things you love to do.

Think about some times you use communication, hearing or swallowing:

Eating Christmas dinner
Chatting to a friend in a noisy restaurant
Reading and making a family recipe
Calling your mom on the phone
Drinking your morning coffee
Texting your friends
Listening to music
Reading stories with your grandchildren
Listening to the birds

Now imagine…

What if you couldn’t swallow without coughing and choking?
What if you couldn’t hear your friends?
What if you could never think of the right w… w… w… oh, I give up.
What if your speech was slurred?

How would that impact the things you love to do, and your connections with the people around you?

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP)

SLPs are regulated health professionals who have a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. They provide individualized care to meet the needs of people with communication and swallowing difficulties. They focus on prevention, evaluation and management of communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Services may address a range of concerns including difficulties with speech sound production, voice, resonance, fluency, language comprehension and expression, literacy, cognitive-communication, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and feeding and swallowing.

Audiologists

Audiologists are regulated health professionals who have a master’s or doctorate degree in audiology. They provide individualized care to meet the needs of people across the lifespan with hearing and balance issues. They focus on the prevention, assessment, diagnosis and management of hearing and balance disorders. Services may address a range of concerns including hearing loss, central auditory processing, tinnitus, sound tolerance disorders and balance (vestibular) issues. Audiologists also provide guidance on hearing loss prevention.

If you know an Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist, please take the time to thank them for the good work they do. If you feel you may require their services, please discuss the possibility of a referral with your family physician.

Prairie Mountain Health releases new five-year Strategic Plan

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has developed a new five-year Strategic Plan. The 2023-2028 Strategic Plan outlines a ‘high-level vision’ that will help guide the organization going forward. The Strategic ‘roadmap’ identifies the health region’s four priorities aimed at building a healthier population and creating a quality, integrated and sustainable health system.

PMH Board Chair Lon Cullen says the Strategic Plan, which officially took effect on April 1, 2023, is a compilation of many months of consultations, statistical analyses and input both internally and externally.

“We are essentially building upon our extensive community engagement processes that assisted with the completion of our comprehensive 2019 Community Health Assessment,” Cullen added. “I thank all staff, managers, physicians as well as our consultation groups for their input and feedback into this very important health planning document.”

PMH Chief Executive Officer Brian Schoonbaert says the Board is responsible to ensure that an adequate process has been put in place to inform the development of the strategic plan and to provide final approval.

“This is our road map of where we are, where we are going and how we will get there. It defines who we are, lists strategic goals to achieve our priorities and provides a solid foundation for decision-making. Throughout the strategic planning process, we built alignment with Manitoba’s continued provincial Health System Transformation and the implementation of Manitoba’s Clinical and Preventive Services Plan. Routine engagement with our Board, leadership and staff is integral to take action and evaluate whether we are achieving our goals,” Schoonbaert stated.

The four strategic priorities listed within the new plan are:

Positive health care experience for Manitobans with a focus on quality health services
Improved health system capacity, performance and accountability
Empowered, adaptable and high-performing workforce
Strengthen fiscal sustainability and value for money

The Plan identifies several specific goals that are aligned with each strategic priority. Operational strategies will be implemented as resources allow and annual status reports will be produced to describe the health region’s progress regarding each strategic priority.

The complete PMH 2023-2028 Strategic Health Plan can be found on the PMH website here.

Deloraine’s Hope Floats recognized for 20 years of giving back to cancer support initiatives

For two decades, a group of dedicated ladies in and around Deloraine have led breast cancer awareness and fundraising efforts to support area cancer programs. What began in 2003 as ‘Hope Floats, Friends Fighting Cancer’ culminated with the recent recognition of donations to cancer programs in Deloraine, Brandon and the Canadian Cancer Society totalling over $100 thousand during the past 20 years.

**Hope Floats 2023**
***Back Row:*** *Brittany Coupland, Belinda Hobbs, Vicki Caldwell, Shireen Babcock, Val Perriman, Donna Whenham, Nancy Nickel and Susan McKinnon.*
***Front Row:*** *Judy Wells, Lori Main, Sandra Hainsworth and Chelsea Hainsworth*
*Missing: Lorrie Weidenhamer, Tammy Olson, Crystal Beernaert and Pat Whiteside.*

Lori Main, one of the original group members, says what started as a team in the Relay for Life at the International Peace Gardens near Boissevain has stayed together, putting on various fundraisers over the years.

“Hope Floats was formed in 2003, three years after I had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer at age 35,” Main said.

“I saw the poster for the Relay for Life event that was to be held at the Peace Gardens that summer and asked my friends, who were by my side through my cancer battle, to join me! Relay for Life was amazing, and our friendships with people from our neighbouring communities have lasted all these years.”

“We loved the Relay for Life events but in 2008, we decided to come up with a new idea to raise money for cancer, and that’s when the “Hope Floats, Friends Fighting Cancer” Cookbook was published. The cookbook contained recipes dedicated to someone battling cancer or in honour of someone we lost to the dreaded disease. There are recipes in the book from all over the world. The first year that our cookbook was published was amazing, and we were able to donate approximately $22,000 to Relay for Life,” Main stated.

In 2012, as the Relay for Life initiative began to subside, the group pivoted to focus fundraising towards the Deloraine Cancer Care Unit, the Radiation Unit at the Brandon Regional Health Centre and the Forget-Me-Knot Quilters – a group of local ladies that make quilts and generously give one to every patient who receives chemotherapy at the Deloraine Cancer Care Unit.

“Over the years, we had 27 ladies who belonged to Hope Floats at one time or another; remarkably, eight members have stayed on for the entire 20 years. Hope Floats members are a group of sisters, we may not be close friends, but we always felt a kinship between us. We had each other’s back!”

**Hope Floats at Manitoba Legislature March 20, 2023**
*From left to right: Irene Lanchbery, Val Perriman, Lori Main, Honourable Doyle Piniuk, Sandra Hainsworth and Donna Whenham.*

In 2023, Hope Floats decided that after 20 years of doing their best to assist in the fight against cancer, they would bring their collective efforts to an end. On March 20, 2023, the group was recognized for their heartfelt and numerous contributions within the Manitoba Legislature through a Private Members Statement from the Honourable Doyle Piwniuk, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and MLA for Turtle Mountain.

Prairie Mountain Health sincerely thanks and appreciates the enormous efforts and dedication Hope Floats has shown over 20 years and wishes all members the best in future endeavours.

HOPE FLOATS MEMBERS 2003 TO PRESENT

*Member since beginning

Arnold, Marie
Babcock, Shireen
Ballentyne (Whiteside), Melissa
Biehl, Joann
Branston, Karen
Caldwell, Vicki*
Clelland, Karen
Coupland (Hainsworth), Brittany
Gamache, Melanie
Goethals, Bev
Hainsworth, Chelsea
Hainsworth, Sandra*
Hobbs, Belinda
Lanchbery, Irene
LeGal, Rita
Lovett, Crystal
Main, Lori*
Mazier, Kathy
McKinnon, Susan*
Moir, Kate
Nickel, Nancy
Olson, Tammy
Perriman, Val*
Tweed, Bev
Weidenhamer, Lorrie
Wells, Judy*
Whenham, Donna*
Whiteside, Pat*

Palliative Care Volunteering Weaves Us Together

Across Canada, National Volunteer Week (April 16 – 23) celebrates the individual and collective actions that volunteers participate in to create strong, interconnected and vibrant communities. The Palliative Care Volunteer Service would like to acknowledge and applaud the contributions of over 200 palliative care volunteers in many communities across Prairie Mountain Health.

The Palliative Care Volunteer Service is comprised of a network of 19 community service groups who are dedicated to the improvement of palliative care in their local community. Palliative care volunteers come alongside, and complement, the existing professional services to provide compassionate, non-medical support, to clients and families. Volunteers share a sense of interconnectedness and hold the thread of common hope, “that at some time, or in some way, we will all face the end of life; and when that time comes we will have the love and support of our family and the greater community” (Holly, Palliative Care Volunteer)

Palliative care volunteers weave professional and community based-supports together; strengthening the fabric of our community by sharing their time, talent and energy. Volunteers can be called upon to offer client companionship, caregiver respite, practical resources, end of life vigil sitting and bereavement follow-up. Volunteers also engage in activities that promote palliative care awareness, such as fundraisers, advocacy events and educational opportunities. Volunteers weave together many threads that collectively reinforce the need for palliative care and the value of a gentle touch, listening ear and a compassionate community. In 2022, volunteers contributed over 2,500 hours in support of palliative care!

Thank you to all of our vibrant and dedicated volunteers in the following service groups: Birtle Palliative Care Committee, Boissevain Palliative Care Committee, Carberry Palliative Care Committee, Deloraine Palliative Care Committee, Erickson and District Palliative Care Committee, Glenboro Palliative Care Committee, Hamiota Palliative Care Committee, Killarney Palliative Care Committee, Melita Palliative Care Committee, Minnedosa Palliative Care Committee, Neepawa and District Palliative Care Committee, Reston Palliative Care Committee, Riverdale Palliative Care Committee, Rossburn Palliative Care Committee, Russell Palliative Care Committee, Shoal Lake Palliative Care Committee, Souris Palliative Care Committee, Virden Palliative Care Committee and Westman Hospice (Brandon)

If you would like to learn more about the Palliative Care Volunteer Service please contact Palliative Care Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator, Carla Mitchell, 204-578-2310 or visit our website.

Making a difference for nearly 35 years: The Dauphin Hospital Foundation

The Dauphin Hospital Foundation has kept an eye on its past and is looking ahead to its future as the volunteer group embarks on 35 years of giving back to the community and area through the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC), Personal Care Home and Community Health Building. The Foundation was established in September 1988 when a dedicated group came together to ensure healthcare support and services could be maintained and enhanced whenever possible. Board Chair Greg Thompson says the Foundation, through generous contributions, donations and bequests of all kinds, continues to make a big difference.

“We’ve been able to contribute in such a variety of ways, and for such a long time now, it really is something to stand back and acknowledge in a very appreciative sense. We are trying to capture and recognize some of this history on our website. Plus, going forward, we hope to establish even better ways of providing information about the Foundation’s work and make it easier for people to contribute”, Thompson stated.

Foundation Public Relations Director Blaine Kraushaar says a vision and mission workshop is being planned for later this spring to take a good look at the Foundation’s goals, objectives and opportunities for improvement.

Dauphin Hospital Foundation president Greg Thompson, left, and Public Relations director Blaine Kraushaar with a bench donated in memory of Dr. Allan Lysack, whose medical career spanned over five decades.

“We review policies, funds, financial information and equipment and staffing support requests at meetings throughout the year, including our annual meeting in November. But we are overdue for a good think-tank, planning-type session since, obviously, lots has changed since the Foundation was formed, and it will put us on solid footing as we look ahead to the future,” Kraushaar added.

Thompson adds, some of the work is already underway with plans to further promote scholarships and specific funding availabilities through estate funds like the Delha Cort fund.

“The educational endowment fund was established in the 1990s in a bequest from long-time Dauphin resident Delha Cort. She was very supportive of finding ways to assist in staff education, and over the years, we have provided several levels of support for staff that have inquired and are eligible. We think there is room for even more opportunity there, and we all know how current recruitment and retention of health care professionals are front and centre.”

Another estate fund —the Martha McDonald Fund— was established in the late 80s through the Canadian Cancer Society and recently came under the Foundation’s umbrella. The endowment focuses on enhancements for Dauphin area cancer services and the DRHC chemotherapy unit.

The Foundation has also established a way to contribute online through Canada Helps, located on its website, and recently defined a process that allows donations of shares back to the Foundation.

“We’ve had a couple of recent donations of shares from individuals that we have processed through ScotiaMcLeod financial. We want to get the word out on opportunities like that and other estate and legacy information. These are all significant ways to leave lasting legacies through the Foundation as we look forward to the next 35 years!” Thompson said.

Although only a couple of estate funds and endowments were mentioned here, the Foundation sincerely thanks all who have contributed in the past. Anyone interested in making a contribution can talk to their lawyer or investment advisor or contact the Foundation directly, through the hospital, at 204-638-3010 or online at www.dghf.ca.

Representatives on the Foundation Board also include Malcolm Strang, Gail Hrehirchuk, Kim Safronetz, Laurie Vandendool, Ron Ryz, Lynn Smith, Dr. Trina Mathison and support staff, which include Curt Gullett, Michelle Jubenvill and Nicole Borgstrom.

Major health care capital projects well underway in Brandon

Provincial, regional and local representatives were on hand in Brandon March 29 to participate in groundbreaking ceremonies for key capital projects that are underway at Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) and the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre (WMCC). The expansion at WMCC, which will include a ‘Centre of Hope’ received a significant contribution of $3.5 million from the Paul Albrechtsen Foundation.

“I am pleased to announce that The Paul Albrechtsen Foundation has donated $3.5 million to establish the Paul Albrechtsen Centre for Hope at the WMCC in Brandon, said Lee Meagher, Chair, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. “This very significant gift enables the construction of this Centre that will be co-located with clinical services, providing the much-needed supportive and emotional care cancer patients and their families deserve,” said Meagher.

The BRHC redevelopment project represents an investment of nearly $110 million and the expansion of the cancer centre is nearly $26 million. Work on the cancer centre is expected to be complete in 2024 while construction at the BRHC will conclude in 2025. Both projects are supported in part by the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation and the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, respectively.

“Our government remains steadfast in our commitment to heal health care in Manitoba, and we providing historic investments to help reduce wait times, improve access and provide more services closer to home,” said Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson. “These significant investments will enhance access to clinical and cancer services for residents in this region, and support the BRHC’s important role as the province’s hub for specialized services in Western Manitoba.

Substantive construction to expand BHRC began in November 2022, following the completion of work on an adjacent parking lot. Piling for the building expansion has since been completed and foundation work is now well underway. When complete, project highlights include:

30 additional medicine beds;
a new, 16-bed intensive care unit, up from the current nine, with additional staffed adult beds to meet the increasing demands of the health region and province; and
an expanded neonatal intensive care unit.

“Moving forward on these major projects will further enhance the very important roles BRHC and the WMCC play in the provision of specialized services in the region and province,” said Brian Schoonbaert, CEO of Prairie Mountain Health. We sincerely thank our staff and physicians who have been instrumental in providing input and leadership on these improvements and acknowledge, and thank, the BRHC Foundation for their continued dedication and support in related fundraising campaigns.”

Meanwhile, construction crews began mobilizing at WMCC across the street in January, where work on a planned 9,400-square-foot expansion is underway. The contractor is fully mobilized on site, and the excavation has commenced. When complete, the expansion will provide space for:

additional exam/procedure rooms and treatment spaces;
a new medical linear accelerator, commonly used for delivering external beam radiation treatments to patients with cancer; and
a Centre for Hope that will provide supportive care services to Westman patients and families for all cancers, providing a continuum of care that starts at the point of diagnosis and includes education, services, and programming throughout the patient’s cancer journey.

“The expansion of the WMCC to include additional radiation treatment capacity, medical oncology and hematology and the addition of the Centre for Hope enhances our commitment to provide Manitobans with quality care closer to home, integrating clinical care with supportive care at the same location,” said Dr. Sri Navaratnam, president & CEO, CancerCare Manitoba.

National Volunteer Week | April 16-22, 2023

This year, National Volunteer Week falls during the week of April 16-22. Volunteers continue to make a significant difference in the health and well-being of our residents and the patients/clients we serve.

Recognizing and highlighting this special week provides Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) with another opportunity to celebrate and thank all of our volunteers for all they do, year-round!

This year’s theme for 2023 is ‘Volunteering Weaves Us Together.’ This reveals the importance of volunteering to the strength and vibrancy of our communities through the interconnected actions we take to support one another. These diverse forms of sharing our time, talent and energy strengthen the fabric of our community. Through volunteering, we experience our interconnectedness, making our lives more meaningful. By getting involved in various ways, we find friendship, develop trust and link our relationships. Threading these connections, we come to a sense of belonging as we contribute towards the same goals.

Prairie Mountain Health is graced with volunteers that support Long-term care, Acute care and Community Health programs across the region. We have volunteers participating on Boards, Foundations, Auxiliaries and various other community meal and harm reduction programs. All work effortlessly to further support and assist collaborative health efforts across our large region. I’m sure you have noticed through various publications and social media, how much volunteers contribute towards the purchase of approved equipment for facilities and sites. We have dedicated volunteers that support the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and Palliative Care program. It would be difficult to cover all the examples how people selflessly give of their time. Amazingly, over the last year, our volunteers have put in a collective total of over 23,000 hours!

We very much appreciate our volunteers who dedicate their time, knowledge, compassion and heart to helping Prairie Mountain Health. On behalf of our Board, Staff and Physicians, we sincerely thank you for all you do from the bottom of our hearts. If you see a volunteer, thank them for “weaving us together”.

Volunteers at Fairview PCH – Brandon

“Here are three examples of Fairview’s many wonderful volunteers. Arlene & Grace both play piano at Fairview, entertaining the residents. Music is a very popular program! Kathy is one of our recreation assistants—she assists regularly with birthday parties held on each of the units. Since the pandemic, our programs in long term care have changed as needed due to guidelines…but one constant is the importance of our friendly volunteers. Thank you to all of our awesome volunteers for sharing your time & talents!” – Maxine Brown, Coordinator Volunteer Services – Fairview

Volunteers at Westman Lab – Brandon

Westman Lab would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our volunteers! We have 7 wonderful volunteers that choose to help us!

Hazel has been with us since the fall of 2016
Cheryl started in the spring of 2017
Barb started in the fall of 2018
Penny started in the fall of 2020
Heather started in the winter of 2020
Aleeta and Amna both started in December of 2022.

We want to let you all know that we couldn’t do it without you!
Thank you so much for all you do!

Healthy Baby Program

The Healthy Baby Program would like to recognize our Volunteer Hailey Pringle! Hailey is a volunteer childminder with the Healthy Baby Program in Brandon. The PMH Healthy Baby program is a community support program for parents who are expecting and for those with little ones under 1 year of age. Hailey provides childminding for parents who attend session with their preschool aged children. This allows the older children to socialize and play with other children while the parents have an opportunity to learn and spend one on one time with baby! Playing, reading, drawing and crafting are all things Hailey does in the childminding room! Hailey has been with us since September and we appreciate her dedication to the program!

Steppin’ Up with Confidence

The Steppin’ Up with Confidence program runs in many communities across PMH. It is an older adult exercise and falls prevention program, peer-led by volunteers in the communities. These Steppin’ Up leaders are all trained in the program and dedicate much time and energy to keeping our senior population moving. Classes meet once a week for an hour and along with some good exercise it is also about socialization and many laughs are had! Thanks to all of you!

Centre for Adult Psychiatry – Our Volunteers 😊

Ngaire & Tai – Pet Therapy – Ngaire has offered Pet Therapy at the Centre for Adult Psychiatry since 2016! Tai has been part of our CAP family for almost 6 years. His trading cards are a hit among the patients. A visit with Ngaire and Tai always boosts the mood rating and brings a smile to people’s faces. We cannot thank Ngaire enough for going above and beyond in providing opportunities for patients to interact with Tai during their stay at CAP. Ngaire brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion in meeting our patients needs. Thank you!

Be sure to check out one of Tai’s videos :

Celebrating Grand Championship https://youtu.be/ufGifemtKdY

How to Retrieve a Hot Dog https://youtu.be/RUPdHtWaCHY

Olubukunola Otaiku ( Bukky ) – Recreation Assistant – For the past 6 months Bukky has been our weekend activities volunteer at CAP. She provided patients with the opportunity to engage in art on the weekend. Her welcoming nature and cheerful disposition are appreciated by our patients and staff. Thank you Bukky and good luck in your nursing studies.

Greeting Card Volunteer – Patients at CAP are very fortunate to receive creative and hand-written greeting cards for many occasions throughout the calendar year. Our heartfelt thank you to this thoughtful individual. You have no idea how much positive impact these cards have for individuals. Thank you!

Lyndon Bournon – Music Therapy – Lyndon offers live music at CAP a couple times each month. He often has people tapping their toes and singing along. In addition, he has also offered to provide information sessions about Adult Education opportunities in Brandon, which is his day job. Thank you Lyndon!

Debbie Fisch – Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM) – Debbie has been coming to CAP for 20 plus years to provide education and information about anxiety and the support opportunities available. We value her monthly visits and her commitment to helping people who struggle with anxiety disorders. Thank you Debbie! Please check out https://adam.mb.ca

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba (MDAM) – ( Susan Spiropolous, Brent Rosnoski, Marian Goldstone )

CAP is fortunate to have monthly informational/educational presentations from Marian, Brent and Susan. They share personal experiences and promote living in wellness. They provide support, education, and advocacy for those living with mental illness through a wide range of peer support and other services. We value the relationship we have formed. They are always available to connect with patients in between their visits. Thank you! Be sure to check out their website: https://moodmb.ca