Dauphin organizations recognize Men’s Health Awareness
Dauphin organizations recognize Men’s Health Awareness
Pictured from left to right are Darian Bercier, Business/Consumers Operations Manager of the Dauphin Co-Op, Greg Thompson, Chairperson, Dauphin Hospital Foundation, Jordan Steiner, Deputy Chief of the Dauphin Fire Department and Co-op Grocery Department representative Matt Pugh.
Dauphin organizations and a local business combined efforts to raise funds and awareness for Men’s Health as part of Men’s Health Awareness Month in November 2025.
The Dauphin Fire Department and Dauphin Co-op Food Store partnered to raise funds to establish a Men’s Health Fund within the Dauphin Hospital Foundation. Thanks to some matching employee funding from the Co-op, the total presented to the Dauphin Hospital Foundation was $1,115.
The fundraising initiative was spearheaded by Co-op Grocery Manager Mark Gorchynski, who recognized that men sometimes do not seek medical attention as promptly as they should.
Brandon Crisis Response Unit partners police with mental health crisis supports
Brandon Crisis Response Unit partners police with mental health crisis supports
Prairie Mountain Health and the Brandon Police Service continue to promote the benefits of a program that provides mental health services on the scene of police crisis calls.
Launched last fall, the Prairie Mountain Health-Brandon Police Service Collaborative Crisis Response Unit is a joint initiative between the Brandon Police Service (BPS) and Prairie Mountain Health (PMH). The unit pairs a BPS officer with a mental health clinician from Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) to respond to calls where people are experiencing a mental health crisis. The goal is to de-escalate situations and provide clinical intervention, with coverage offered seven days a week.
Cst. Joss, member of the Brandon Police Service, Crisis Response Unit
Manitoba Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe were on hand in Brandon Jan.19 to announce $290,000 in ongoing funding to support a team including two full-time police officers and three full-time mental health clinicians, along with peer support workers from Peer Connections Manitoba.
BPS and PMH have developed policies, safety protocols and a triaging system that includes pathways to engage community agencies. Two BPS constables are dedicated to the unit, which is also staffed by mental health professionals and peer support workers to ensure a comprehensive response to mental health calls.
The announcement comes as local officials highlight the importance of compassionate crisis intervention for families and residents.
“The crisis response unit represents a critical step forward in how we respond to mental health crises, bringing police, health professionals and community partners together to deliver timely, trauma-informed care with dignity and compassion,” said Tyler Bates, chief, BPS. “This unit is already reducing unnecessary hospital transfers, supporting front-line officers and ensuring people in crisis are connected to the right help, strengthening community safety and well-being.”
“The new PMH-BPS Collaborative Crisis Response Unit is a significant step forward in how Brandon supports individuals experiencing mental health or addiction crises,” said Chris Bromley, director of health services, mental health and addiction, PMH. “This unit builds on PMH’s existing crisis resources. PMH continues to operate its 24-hour Mobile Crisis Unit, and the Brandon area benefits from a strong Community Mobilization Westman program. Together, these teams create a more coordinated and comprehensive response system for people in crisis in our community.”
The project supports the mandate of the Department of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness to hire 100 mental health workers to work alongside law enforcement and community organizations, Smith noted.
You may have heard of Blue Monday, often described as “the saddest day of the year.” While this idea is sometimes used as a marketing message, it does highlight something important, the Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
During the winter months, many people notice changes in their mood and energy. Symptoms of SAD can include:
Lower energy
Changes in appetite or weight
Sleep difficulties
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Feeling very sad or tearful
Wanting to withdraw from others
To help bring awareness to the Winter Blues, here are a few simple workplace activities to create connection and open the door for conversation about how we are really doing.
Blue Monday Activities
Blueberry Muffins – Serve blueberry muffins during coffee or lunch breaks using the printable tags created by the SPARK Committee.
Glimmer Station – Set up a table with blue sticky notes or paper and invite staff to write down a “glimmer” — something good, kind, or positive they noticed during their day.
Wear Blue Day – Invite everyone to wear blue — socks, scarves, shirts, scrubs, or accessories.
Gratitude Graffiti Wall –Create a gratitude wall using a large roll of paper and markers where staff can leave messages of appreciation for one another.
A Warm Hug in a Mug – Set up a hot beverage station with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate so staff can enjoy a warm drink and share one with a co-worker.
Taking time to check in with one another, enjoy a snack or warm drink, and notice the good in our day can help support our mental wellness and reduce the effects of the Winter Blues.
If you feel you would like to connect with someone for additional support through Prairie Mountain Health you can call:
OVER THE AGE OF 18 NORTH of Riding Mountain National Park: 1-866-332-3030 SOUTH of Riding Mountain National Park: 1-888-379-7699
January brings a clean slate and a chance to make meaningful changes for your health. Many people choose the New Year as their quit date for smoking, vaping, or other nicotine use. Whether you spent time preparing in December or are starting fresh right now, you can still set yourself up for success.
Your quit day might feel exciting, and it might feel stressful. Both are normal. What matters most is having a plan that fits your approach. Some people choose to quit all at once. Others prefer to reduce over time. Both are valid and can lead to long-term success. Some tips to help set yourself up for success include:
1. Make Smoking Inconvenient on Purpose If you are not ready to quit all at once, start by making each cigarette harder to access. Smoke only in one specific place, such as at the end of your driveway. Create smoke-free areas, such as inside your vehicle, garage, or home. Keep your cigarettes in a spot that is annoying to reach, like inside a sealed container in the trunk of your car. The extra effort helps break mindless habits.
2. Join a Support Group or Get Professional Help Research shows that people who use counselling or support programs can double their chances of quitting compared to trying alone. Join a free group offered in PMH, such as Commit to Quit, connect with the Chronic Disease Education Program (CDEP) to speak with a nurse, or call Smokers Help Line for free coaching. Inform a close friend or family member of your quit plan and explain to them what you’ll need as support.
3. Use Delay Techniques to Push Past Cravings When you feel the urge to smoke, tell yourself you will wait ten minutes. During that time, drink water, chew gum, or step outside for fresh air. Most cravings peak and fade within a few minutes. Delaying teaches your brain that you do not need to respond instantly, which is a powerful way to build control. If you’ve been tracking your nicotine use, have a plan ready before a common craving time comes.
4. Expect Ups and Downs Quitting is not about perfection. Some days will feel simple, while others will test your patience. If you slip, it does not mean you failed. Look at what caused it and plan how to handle that trigger better next time. Celebrate each day you stay on track. Every effort counts.
5. Replace Hand and Mouth Habits with Safer Options Smoking is not only about nicotine. Many people miss the hand-to-mouth motion. Prepare simple replacements. Try sugar-free gum, mints, a stress ball, a straw, or a water bottle with a straw. Keep these items with you so that when a craving hits, you have something to reach for.
6. Nicotine-Replacement Therapy (NRT) Products include patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and sprays. For many people, using more than one type of NRT at the same time works best. Be sure to speak to a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before starting NRT to find the right one for you.
You are not alone in this journey. PMH is here to help. For support from a Registered Nurse, call 1-877-509-7852 or visit the Chronic Disease Education Program at Prairie Mountain Health to learn more about all the resources available to help you succeed.
Brandon Regional Health Centre Auxiliary contributes over last year
Brandon Regional Health Centre Auxiliary contributes over last year
The Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) Auxiliary capped the last year by generously contributing to new equipment purchases for the Brandon Regional Health Centre and Western Manitoba Cancer Centre (WMCC). The contributions for 30 capital equipment pieces totaled close to $304 thousand. Equipment purchases included:
Two Bladder Scanners totaling just over $34,000.
These are portable ultrasound devices used to quickly and non-invasively measure urine volume in the bladder, helping assess for urinary retention or incomplete emptying. These units help to prevent unnecessary catheterizations. One unit was purchased for BRHC and one for WMCC.
Ultrasound for PICC placement – for Outpatient Care Unit totaling just over $35,000.
An ultrasound used to place a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), which helps to avoid repeated needle sticks for treatments lasting weeks or months.
Eight Maternity Unit Beds totaling $69,588.
Replacing current beds which are end of life.
Nineteen new Beds for the A3 Unit at a cost of $165,272.
Replacing current beds which are end of life.
Prairie Mountain Health and Brandon Regional Health Centre sincerely thank the BRHC Auxiliary for their continued support to the benefit of patients across Western Manitoba.
Prairie Mountain Health Welcomes New Year’s Babies | 2026
Prairie Mountain Health Welcomes New Year’s Babies | 2026
Brandon
Welcome Brielle! Brandon Regional Health Centre’s 2026 New Year’s baby was born January 1 at 1:16 am. Proud parents are Kendra Henry & Aaron Dayton of Virden. Brielle received a lovely gift basket from the BRHC Gift Shop & flowers from Carolyn’s Floral Designs. Congratulations from Prairie Mountain Health and the Brandon Regional Health Centre.
Dauphin
Welcome Jack! Dauphin Regional Health Centre’s 2026 New Year’s baby was born on January 1 at 1:54 am. Proud parents are Holly & Joel Warkentin of Fork River. Congratulations from Prairie Mountain Health and Dauphin Regional Health Centre.
PMH begins site visits with MLPIMG physicians destined to practice next fall
PMH begins site visits with MLPIMG physicians destined to practice next fall
When it comes to doctor recruitment within Prairie Mountain Health, the region’s Recruitment and Retention Team feels it’s ‘all hands-on deck’. Which is to say, it truly does take representatives from the province, region and individual communities to all work together to promote the benefits of living and working in rural Manitoba.
One of the initiatives the region utilizes as part of overall physician recruitment strategies includes the provincial Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates (MLPIMG). The MLPIMG Program assists foreign-trained doctors in obtaining their medical license to be able to practice as a family physician in Manitoba. PMH has sponsored seven physicians during the year 2025-2026 and has begun individually introducing each of the candidates to the communities they will be practicing in following their successful graduation from the program in summer of 2026.
Tamara Kemp-Boulet, Physician Recruitment and Retention Coordinator for the health region says the physicians were designated to be placed at various sites within PMH communities that require additional physician resources.
“The seven internationally trained doctors have signed return-of-service agreements requiring them to work in rural communities within the health region,” she said. “Communities allocated for this graduating class include Killarney, Minnedosa, Ste. Rose, Russell, Rossburn and Shoal Lake starting in the fall.”
Husband and wife Shamsudeen and Olamide Usman are among those who were recruited by PMH through the University of Manitoba Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates.
The Usmans will finish the one-year training program this June in Winnipeg before they begin practicing family medicine at the Tri-Lake Health Centre in Killarney in fall.
Doctors Karen Aquino and Moazzam Raza will be based in Minnedosa, Dr. Saleema Arif will practice in Ste. Rose, Dr. Porimol Debnath will be in Russell and Dr. Ana Hernandez will provide care in Rossburn and Shoal Lake, Kemp-Boulet said.
All of these communities were identified as having a shortage of doctors, and recruitment efforts continue for other areas in PMH, she said.
PMH organizes site visits for new physicians, so they can get accustomed to relocating to an area that suits their needs. These visits can include checking out daycares, schools, recreation activities, touring the health-care facility and meeting with council members and real estate agents, Kemp-Boulet said.
In 2025, the region sponsored eight physicians to participate in the MLPIMG program. They were placed in the communities of Swan River (3), Roblin (2), Neepawa, Virden and Souris.
In return for regional sponsorship, MLPIMG doctors agree to practice in their respective communities for four years. The Program is supported by the University of Manitoba —Max Rady College of Medicine, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, Shared Health-Health Care Recruitment and Retention Office, and Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.
Indigenous Health a cornerstone of PMH health services and planning
Indigenous Health a cornerstone of PMH health services and planning
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has launched a new Indigenous Health Strategy. This strategy reflects PMH’s commitment to working together with Indigenous Peoples in a spirit of respect, understanding, and truth. PMH acknowledges the lasting effects of historical and systemic inequities and is committed to creating safe, inclusive health care spaces by addressing racism and discrimination across the region. This strategic direction sets the context for focused advocacy and community engagement.
Indigenous Patient Advocacy
Indigenous Health Patient Advocate Karen Spence (at right) speaks with Swan Valley Health Centre Clinical Resource Nurse Lanaya Zaretsky.
The health region includes 14 First Nation communities, three Métis Federations, and 15 Northern Affairs (Métis) communities. The Indigenous Health Team in PMH fosters connections between Indigenous individuals, communities, and health-care providers to promote health equity and culturally safe care. This initiative supports Indigenous patients accessing PMH services. Among other designated positions, the Indigenous Health program includes a Community Liaison and Patient Advocates who serve to support individual and communities.
Karen Spence serves as an Indigenous Health Patient Advocate North, based at the Swan Valley Health Centre in Swan River. She has held this position since late August, and her role also encompasses the Roblin and Russell area.
An Indigenous Patient Advocate provides support to patients and families by assisting with family meetings, reviewing and discussing care plans, and supporting discharge planning. They are part of the PMH team that meets regularly with First Nation communities to discuss health services and works to improve services, guide individuals in accessing and navigating various health services, and facilitate spiritual and cultural care. The advocate’s help to ensure patients’ needs are met throughout their health care journey and after discharge, supporting a culturally safe environment at every stage.
“I grew up in the Metis community of Briggs Spur, MB., surrounded by a large extended family,” Spence said.
“Once my family received treaty rights, I became a band member of Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation, where I was given many opportunities for employment as a young adult in band administration. This employment has provided me with many communication skills that I still use to this day and has created a large network of Indigenous people, partners, and stakeholders. I have always called the Swan River area my home.”
Building on these relationships, traditions, and culture, respect is central to the advocacy role. Open communication with Indigenous partners is essential, along with a continued focus on building and strengthening trusted relationships.
“I’ve made many connections with Indigenous clients, whether it’s through daily visits or providing them with a private smudging ceremony,” Spence said. “I have also communicated with their respective family members should the need arise once a discharge has been determined, ensuring that they have the support they need at home, usually assisting them with finding resources they require.”
Prairie Mountain Health is building partnerships with Indigenous communities in the PMH region by facilitating ‘Services to Services’ meetings between First Nations community health offices and PMH staff, including Indigenous Health.
PMH Regional Manager- Indigenous Health Shawna Mozdzen
Shawna Mozdzen is the Regional Manager- Indigenous Health for PMH. Mozdzen, who previously served as a Community Liaison in the region, says these collaborative meetings are important.
“This gives all involved stakeholders the opportunity to sit at the same table and talk about what is going well between the community and facility and what barriers need to be addressed,” Mozdzen said.
“Together, we can work on some of the issues, such as discharge planning, transportation, racism and discrimination, and navigating Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) to help our clients find the resources that they need. Our Indigenous Health team is enjoying getting to know the health office staff in the communities and building trusted relationships with them.”
PMH remains committed to educating staff about Indigenous ways of knowing and being, with ongoing training as needed. Spence says staff are becoming increasingly aware of Indigenous Health resources, as well as her advocacy role.
“There is continued and growing respect around smudging, spiritual needs, and advocacy services. I am always open to suggestions and constructive dialogue where people with different views share ideas to understand each other better and to find a common ground,” Spence stated.
To reach the Indigenous Health Patient Advocate North, you can contact: 431-363-0907 or Email: [email protected]
Capital Construction Project Update | December 2025
Capital Construction Project Update | December 2025
Neepawa Health Centre
An aerial view facing southeast as the new Neepawa Health Centre continues to take shape.
As the festive holiday season approaches this year, it’s hard not to begin to envision how things might look around this time in Neepawa next Christmas. Construction on the new Neepawa Health Centre continues to progress nicely and is now approximately 75 percent complete!
From both the ground and the air, the 39-acre site is impressive with grading, walkways, garden and parking lot development clearly visible. The healing garden and outdoor patio areas are taking shape, and two of five parking lots are also clearly seen. The Town of Neepawa and Province of Manitoba have completed the base work for the Hamilton Road extension, turn off from Hwy. 16, and roundabout at the main hospital entrance. A helipad is also nearly complete at the new site.
View of healing garden, outdoor patios, main entrance and helipad looking northeast.
Work on the building’s interior has been moving forward rapidly with nearly every area undergoing full construction. The interior areas are being finished sequentially, with some areas installing interior finishes such as flooring, millwork, and wall protection. Other areas are in framing and mechanical/electrical rough-in stage, and still others are installing drywall and paint. The construction site is operating 7 days/week and has 300-350 tradespeople working onsite daily. Focus will remain on the interiors throughout the winter months.
The new hospital is being built east of Neepawa on the north side of the Yellowhead highway near the Lions Campground.
It will be approximately three and a half times the size of the existing hospital and will better serve patients from this broader western Manitoba geographic area. Once completed, features of the new health centre will include:
Neepawa Health Centre patio and healing garden area.
60 acute care inpatient beds, up from 35 at the current Neepawa site.
an expanded emergency department designed to best practice standards that include treatment and assessment rooms, trauma rooms and an ambulance bay.
a hemodialysis suite with nine dialysis stations.
enhanced space for several other programs, such as surgery, diagnostics, palliative care, birthing services, as well as outpatient services like chemotherapy (6 treatment stations) and therapy services.
Prairie Mountain Health anticipates we will see the first patient in the new facility in early 2027.
Brandon Clinical Spaces Project
Aerial view of the BRHC Critical Care expansion in early December 2025.
Construction to expand clinical spaces within the Brandon Regional Health Centre campus is entering the final stages of completion. The Critical Care building comprises a 16-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 30-bed Internal Medicine Unit. Both units are an exciting addition to the Brandon and Westman area. Each patient room is single occupancy with large windows, allowing natural light to flow in. The color schematics provide a warm and welcoming environment for patients and families, visitors and staff. Staff tours have taken place, and staff are eagerly planning how they will work in these new spaces.
During these latter construction stages interior finishing work continues, which includes the arrival of new equipment and furnishings. Work in the courtyard area and other exterior finishing is also taking place.
Indigenous elder Deborah Tacan performs a blessing ceremony within the new unit.
Once the building is turned over to PMH, orientation and training will begin. PMH anticipates first patients arriving early in 2026.
PMH health facilities are located onTreaty 1, 2, and 4 Territories, the original lands of the Dakota, Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. On Nov. 12, PMH hosted an Indigenous Blessing Ceremony in the new critical care building led by elder Deborah Tacan. The Blessing Ceremony was a very moving event, attended by staff and some of the construction staff as well. PMH is very grateful to Deborah for her positive spiritual ceremony.
Brandon Fairview Home
Prairie Mountain Health is pleased to unveil the new name of Brandon Fairview Home’s first floor care unit. It will be called the ‘Enhanced Support Centre.’ The Centre will provide additional supports to assist personal care home (PCH) residents that require specialized care for a period of time.
Once complete, the new unit will include space for:
12 single resident rooms.
activity and dining rooms.
secure outdoor courtyard space.
tub/shower room.
quiet room, and
clinical care areas.
Construction has progressed smoothly through late fall. Current drywall, flooring and painting work continues. Furnishings and equipment for the new areas have also been ordered.
It’s anticipated that the first residents within the new unit will occur sometime in 2026.
As we approach the festive season, it’s hard to believe how quickly the year has passed. With Winter now upon us, I encourage everyone to take extra care during these busy weeks ahead – whether that means allowing additional time for travel, avoiding strain when shoveling snow or decorating, or walking cautiously when conditions are icy.
The holiday season can be especially challenging for those who are unable to be with loved ones. Our staff continue to demonstrate exceptional compassion and commitment, providing comfort and support to patients, residents and community members throughout the year. We are deeply grateful to our staff and their dedication to those we serve!
Here are some helpful reminders for the season:
Visitation options: If an in-person visit isn’t possible, consider providing a personal device, such as a phone or tablet, to help your loved one stay connected.
Send Well Wishes: Visit the PMH Well Wishes page to share a message with patients or residents. It’s a simple way to brighten someone’s day! A direct link can be found here: https://www.prairiemountainhealth.ca/pmh-well-wishes.
Mental Health Support: For those coping with grief, loss, or stress, resources are available through PMH Mental Health Services: https://www.pmh-mb.ca/mental-health.
Give Back: Consider local initiatives such as a hospital or community foundation, food bank, or meal program to help those in need.
As you celebrate, whether it be by decorating, spending time with family and friends, enjoying traditions or volunteering, our wish is that your holiday is filled with joy, peace and meaningful moments.
On behalf of the PMH Board of Directors, Executive Management Team, and our staff, we wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season and all the best in 2026.
