Therapy dogs and volunteers: Keeping it ‘pawsitive’

There are nearly 1100 registered facility volunteers within Prairie Mountain Health who have provided nearly 52,000 volunteer hours this year to the betterment of patients, clients and residents within the region.  When we think of volunteers, we naturally assume that it’s all our ‘people’ in the region who are doing the volunteering.  However, here’s something to chew on. There are ‘ruffly’ 50 registered pet therapy teams that provide therapeutic visits for the health and well-being of patients and residents within our hospitals and personal care homes.

The Therapy Dogs Program, coordinated through PMH and St. John Ambulance, continues to receive positive feedback across the region. Volunteer Ngaire Abernethy and certified dog Tai have visited Brandon Regional Health Centre since 2017. Abernethy, a volunteer for over 20 years, says dogs’ connections with people lift spirits and may help reduce pain and distress.

“There has been scientific research that has shown those exposed to animal therapy have demonstrated an overall improvement in physical pain. A compassionate visit can also help people cope with illness, trauma, stress and anxiety.”

Louise Stitt is a volunteer canine handler who has retired from working at Prairie Mountain Health.

“People ask me what I’m doing in my retirement, and I say I’ve gone to the dogs!” Stitt said. “Never have I experienced a time in my life when all I had to do was walk into a room with my therapy dog and automatically bring smiles and joy to those I met. It’s like carrying around a magic wand that makes everything a little bit better for people.”

And you don’t have to go far to chase additional accolades for the dog therapy initiative.

“Your visit is the highlight of my day and brings back happy memories of my own dogs.” (care home resident)

“So glad to see Sadie visiting. This will help Mom’s care home transition. We’ll try to visit too” (from new PCH resident’s family at River’s Care Home).

“She’s here (the therapy dog)!! They’re (the residents) all waiting in the multi-purpose room, waiting to give her the ‘pats’ she craves….. but first, come over here, girl.  I could use some lovin’ too, ha ha.” (from staff at a care home).

The Trauma Response Emotional Assistance Team (TREAT) is a specialized group of PATDogs who have received intensive training for both canines and handlers to manage more challenging and emotionally intense situations. Their role includes supporting staff who have experienced a critical event during their shift or responding to facility or community crises that require extra support.

To learn more about the Therapy Dog program in PMH, visit Therapy Dogs – Prairie Mountain Health. You can also visit the St. John Ambulance website St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program | St. John Ambulance Canada

Passion Ignites Volunteerism in Palliative Care

Across Canada, National Volunteer Week (April 19 – 25) 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 20 individual committees 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)

The theme of National Volunteer Week “Ignite Volunteerism” is about inspiring Canadians to reconnect with their communities through acts of service, civic action, and mutual support. These goals are demonstrated amongst our specialized palliative care volunteers every day. Our volunteers offer client companionship, caregiver respite, relevant 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. In 2025, volunteers contributed over 4,000 hours in support of palliative care in our region!  “After having gone through the loss of my daughter, the grieving process has taught me that giving back can help recovery. I volunteer with Palliative patients to help them through the end of life process by being an eager listener and a comfort to them and their loved ones”. (Linda, Palliative Care Volunteer)  

Thank you to all our dedicated volunteers from the following Palliative Care Committees: Birtle, Boissevain, Carberry, Dauphin, Deloraine, Erickson and District, Glenboro, Hamiota, Killarney, Melita, Minnedosa, Neepawa and District, Reston, Riverdale, Rossburn, Russell, Shoal Lake, Souris, Virden and Westman Hospice (Brandon).

In addition to our invaluable volunteer committees that reach across the region, we recognize the over 20 volunteers involved in the realization of Camp Bridges each year. The annual grief and bereavement camp for children and youth would not be possible without the committed individuals who come together for one memorable weekend each year to provide campers with a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their grief through community and memorial activities. Also, with the help of these volunteers, the campers participate in activities such as horseback riding and ziplining, where they are reminded that there is space for them to just be kids and have fun. Thank you. If you would like to learn more about the Palliative Care Volunteer Program, please contact the Palliative Care Volunteer & Bereavement Coordinator, Hope Roberts, 204-578-2310 or visit our website.

If Not You, Who?  If Not Now, When? 

If you couldn’t communicate for yourself, even temporarily, who would make your health and personal care decisions? Would they truly understand what matters most to you?

Waiting too long to have these conversations, or not sharing your preferences, could leave important decisions in the hands of others who may not fully understand what matters most to you.

No one else can truly communicate for you when it comes to your health and personal care if you don’t have an advance care plan that is documented and shared.

It is never too early to start planning and sharing your wishes and preferences for your health and personal care

Advance care planning is something you can do now, before a crisis or sudden change forces decisions to be made under pressure. It gives you time to think about your values, wishes, and priorities, and to talk them through with the people you trust.

Starting these conversations early can ease stress for loved ones and help healthcare teams provide care that reflects what matters to you. By documenting your preferences now, you ensure your voice is heard and your care aligns with your choices, whatever the future brings. Advance care planning is for everyone, whether young or old, healthy or living with health challenges, and the best time to start is today.

This ACP Day 2026, take the opportunity to plan and share your wishes, take charge of your future care, and ease the burden on those close to you who might otherwise face difficult decisions on your behalf. Advance Care Planning Canada will be hosting an ACP Webinar on April 16^th at 11:00am CT. For more information on advance care planning and to register, visit https://www.advancecareplanning.ca/

Submitted by Palliative Care Services

Volunteer efforts appreciated within Prairie Mountain Health

2026 marks U.N. International Year of Volunteers

Volunteers within Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) play an important and essential role providing ongoing support to our personal care homes, hospitals, and community health programs across the region. Volunteers share their time, skills, empathy, and creativity day in and day out, attributes which are vital to the inclusivity, strength, and well-being of programs and services within our communities. 

National Volunteer Week (April 19–25, 2026) is a celebration led by Volunteer Canada every April that recognizes, celebrates, and promotes volunteerism across the country. This year’s theme, “Ignite Volunteerism,” invites Canadians to reconnect with their communities through acts of service, civic action, and mutual support. It encourages people from all backgrounds to ‘Find Your Thing’ — discovering personal ways to contribute, whether through local events, grassroots initiatives, or ongoing volunteer commitments. This year, 2026 is also recognized as the UN International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.

PMH Board of Directors Chair Lon Cullen says volunteers and volunteer organizations play a significant role in supporting PMH teams to make a difference in the health and well-being of the residents, patients, and clients within the health region

“We acknowledge and sincerely appreciate these heartfelt contributions not only during this nationally recognized week, but year-round! Our volunteers and volunteer organizations truly contribute in so many different ways and their time and dedication make a meaningful difference across PMH every day!

PMH is currently supported by 1,085 registered volunteers, including our Palliative Care volunteers. Across the region, our volunteers provide support to 49 PMH facilities and have contributed an incredible 51,096 hours to date (not including palliative care hours). This reflects the strong commitment and impact volunteers continue to have on our communities.

We also have 50 pet therapy teams visiting 43 of our facilities, offering comfort, connection, and a positive experience for patients, residents, and staff.

“We very much appreciate all our volunteers and volunteer groups who dedicate their time, knowledge, talents, compassion and heart to help Prairie Mountain Health work towards its vision of Health and Wellness for All,” stated PMH CEO Treena Slate.

“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 making every one of their moments matter!

Read more stories about the amazing volunteers across our region:
Therapy dogs and volunteers: Keeping it ‘pawsitive’
Passion Ignites Volunteerism in Palliative Care
Volunteer efforts appreciated within Prairie Mountain Health
Volunteers go the extra mile

April is Oral Health Month

It’s oral health month, and Healthy Smile Happy Child is doing some very important research to help prevent early childhood tooth decay. Healthy Smile Happy Child is a partnership that works with communities to prevent early childhood tooth decay. Last year, we celebrated our twenty-fifth anniversary. The partnership shares important oral health information with communities across Manitoba and works with those communities to study oral health in young children.

Follow this link to learn more about important studies with Métis and First Nations communities, and tips for taking care of children’s teeth.

National Immunization Awareness Week | April 26 – May 2, 2026

The Time is Now! Get Immunized.

Not so long ago, there was no way to protect yourself from diseases such as diphtheria, polio, meningitis, or measles. But vaccines changed that landscape. Rigorous testing and continuous safety monitoring provide overwhelming evidence not only that vaccines are safe and effective, but also that they are crucial tools for preventing serious illness and even death. Many diseases are now easily preventable through vaccination, and this has greatly improved our health outcomes.  

Disinformation, misinformation, mistrust in science and growing polarization are undermining public confidence in vaccines here in Canada. Hesitancy is increasing in some communities, and in certain regions, immunization rates are no longer high enough to prevent outbreaks. In 2025, Canada even lost its measles-elimination status. This is a stark reminder that we cannot take for granted decades of hard-earned progress in vaccine confidence and coverage, as it has the possibility of being reversed overnight.  

This is not the time to turn back the clock on life-saving innovation.  

The time is now – to reaffirm trust in the remarkable benefits of vaccines; to continue to rely on the clear evidence of vaccines’ safety and effectiveness; to counter dis- and misinformation; to stay informed; and to keep up to date with our immunizations.     

Immunize Canada invites everyone to stand up for vaccines this National Immunization Awareness Week!

Visit the Manitoba Health website for information on Routine Immunization Schedules and vaccine eligibility criteria for publicly funded vaccines offered in Manitoba. 

In Prairie Mountain Health, you can receive immunizations by contacting your local Public Health Office, Nurse Practitioner, medical clinic or pharmacist.

Information from National Immunization Awareness Week (NIAW): National Immunization Awareness Week website https://immunize.ca/niaw  

Manitoba Health website Immunization (Vaccination) | Health | Province of Manitoba

March is Nutrition Month

Building on last year’s successful campaign, the Nourish to Flourish nutrition month theme returns in 2026 to highlight the impact of registered dietitians across Canada.

Dietitians play an essential role in supporting the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Dietitians work in various settings. They are located throughout Prairie Mountain Health in community settings, clinics, hospitals, and personal care homes. 

Here are a few of the many ways that dietitians help people flourish:

1. Dietitians provide personal advice that suits your situation and needs.

Eating is a personal experience for each of us. Our nutritional needs and food choices are unique based on many factors such as age, traditions, income, and medical conditions. Food connects us to our communities, our cultures, and ourselves. 

Clinical dietitians work at hospitals and personal care homes in the region. They help patients/residents to meet their nutrition goals through various health challenges. They also plan and approve menus that provide nutritious, balanced meals that meet the needs of each person.

2. Dietitians empower you to make informed, practical choices every day.

Food is more than fuel. Food is connection, comfort, and a pathway to flourishing. Dietitians support people in making informed choices that help them feel their best.

Cancer Care dietitians help patients/residents nutritionally through their cancer journey.

For more information on CancerCare Manitoba dietitians visit  https://www.cancercare.mb.ca/Patient-Family/support-services/nutrition-services

3. Dietitians are health promoters.

Health promotion dietitians give you the tools and support you need to take care of your health and wellbeing.  It’s not just about telling people what to do – it’s about creating environments, communities, and policies that make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Dietitians in Health Promotion work with communities, organizations, and groups, rather than individuals. They promote healthy eating with a special focus on nutrition and food skills education such as meal planning and nutritious cooking.

4. Dietitians provide support through outpatient nutritional counselling and group sessions.

From managing Illness and navigating complex health concerns, to preventing disease and helping families build positive relationships with food, dietitians provide trusted, evidence-based guidance at every stage of life.

Dietitians provide individual nutrition counselling to help you reach your nutrition goals. They answer general nutrition questions such as for children and during pregnancy. They also provide guidance on specific conditions such as celiac disease and food allergies.

Dietitians also work in clinics throughout Prairie Mountain Health to help people learn about healthy lifestyles and skills to manage health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. 

 Clinics include:

• Chronic Disease Education Program (CDEP)
• My Health Teams
• Renal health clinic
• Prehab osteoarthritis clinic

For upcoming Prairie Mountain Health public classes visit: https://prairiemountainhealth.ca/public-classes/

How to access a Prairie Mountain Health dietitian for individual nutrition counselling

1. Call 1-877-509-7852 yourself to make an appointment
2. Talk with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare provider and they can send a referral.

Prairie Mountain Health Dietitian Spotlight

Meet Chantal

Chantal Morais is a community dietitian. She enjoys working with community groups and organizations; a highlight is bringing community folks together to improve the health and wellbeing in their community such as working as part of the Neepawa Eats Healthy grassroots group to improve nutrition in Neepawa. This initiative has brought together many partners in the community and continues.  Chantal has been able to give PMH clients a voice by inviting patient partners to work on projects and committees.

Morais said, “There is so much variety in community dietetics from cooking with prenatal and postnatal parents as part of the Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) and newcomer groups to working on policy, quality improvement, and being active on provincial and national committees and working groups. Each day brings new challenges, different communities and people.”

Manitoba’s Dial – a Dietitian Helpline

Dial-a-Dietitian helps Manitobans of all ages understand how food choices can improve their health and prevent disease. Call Manitoba’s Dial-a-Dietitian helpline at 1-877-830-2892 to receive personal, professional and free nutrition information.

February is Heart Month

February is Heart Month, a time when Manitobans are encouraged to pause and take stock of their heart and brain health. This year, Heart & Stroke is emphasizing the importance of recognizing and managing modifiable risk factors for heart disease and stroke—risks that are more common than many people realize. In fact, 9 in 10 Manitobans have at least one risk factor for heart disease or stroke.

To help individuals understand these risks, Heart & Stroke offers a free, online Risk Screen tool, which provides a personalized action plan based on lifestyle factors, medical history, age, sex, and women’s life stages, including pregnancy and menopause.

For more information, you can also review the newly released 2026 Heart Month Report: The state of risk factors for heart disease and stroke in Canada or contact Heart and Stroke directly at 204-926-3132 or email: [email protected].

In Prairie Mountain Health (PMH), Primary Care offers a regional Heart Program that provides ongoing education, support, and encouragement to clients following a cardiac event or diagnosis. Our program offers 1:1 education for clients with a variety of heart conditions and those recovering after heart surgery. We also offer group classes every Tuesday, 1:30–3:00 p.m that can be accessed in-person in Brandon or virtually from the comfort of your own home. Topics include: The Heart, Nutrition, Exercise, Stress & Coping, and Heart Medications. Each session is facilitated by clinical staff with expertise on the topic. Referrals to this program are accepted from healthcare providers and through self-referral. If you are uncertain if this program is right for you and want to learn more, contact the PMH Heart Program at 204-578-4225 or 204-578-4204.

In addition to cardiac specific education, our Chronic Disease Education Program and Health Promotion Team also offer a variety of group classes that support heart health at a broader level; including such topics as nutrition, blood pressure and cholesterol management.  Get Better Together supports those living with health conditions to better manage their health through group support and discussions.  Commit to Quit and the Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling programs provide education and counselling for people interested in quitting smoking.  To learn more about any of these offerings, you can follow the links or call 1-877-509-7852.

For families looking to get active and learn more about heart health, the 2026 Mega Heart Event is coming up on February 22, 2026 from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the Wellness Institute, 1075 Leila Ave, Winnipeg, MB. This is a free, family-friendly event featuring walks, Zumba, CPR demos, science activities, health booths, and more for young and old.

In honour of Heart Month, we encourage everyone to take one step this February toward better heart health: try using the online Risk Screen tool, check out a link in the article above, add a walk into your week, cook a heart‑healthy meal, or start a conversation with a family member about risk factors.

Every step counts — and together, we can build a heart‑healthier Manitoba.

Sex Plus Week | February 8-14, 2026

In recognition on Sex Plus Week this February 8-14, we’re zooming in on sexual health + artificial intelligence.  

The internet has changed a lot, all the way from dial up internet to today’s TikTok trends. Now, the AI boom is here—and it can be overwhelming to know how this will impact our relationships, our kids, and our access to information about our health.  

But we’re dialed in and ready to face the future! 

Together, we can challenge barriers to information and create space so everyone can ask more, learn more, and know more about how AI will impact our health, our rights, and our futures.  

During Feb. 8-14, Action Canada For Sexual Health and Rights will be providing the following activities and resources:

• Free resources on sexual health and artificial intelligence.
• Sex Plus Trivia Challenge to test your knowledge.
• Social media toolkit to dial up the conversation.
• Collaborations with our partners across the country.
• Feb. 11^th – Sexual Health (Mis)information in the Age of AI Webinar –Webinar Registration – Zoom

In our region multiple sites will be recognizing Sex Plus week by offering the following events:

Brandon:

• Feb 4^th Peer to Peer Testing Event at Ask Auntie 24 6^th Street from 10am-1:00pm
• Feb 9^th STBBI testing event at Brandon University 270-18^th St. Mingling area – Time TBD

Dauphin:

• Feb. 9^th Healthy Sexuality Bingo for Waskaa’igan Neegan Overnight Drop-in Centre participants 40 1st Avenue NW from 4pm-5pm.