National Grief and Bereavement Day: Remember, Reflect and Connect

The third Tuesday in November marks National Grief and Bereavement Day in Canada. Throughout November, culminating on November 19th, the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association promotes the resources available to help Canadians on their grief journeys.  National Grief and Bereavement Day is an opportunity for Canadians to remember, reflect and connect around something we all experience – grief.   

Remember

Grief is the natural and normal response to the loss of something or someone important to you.  Although grief is a common experience we all share, we rarely acknowledge it in society.  A recent survey found that 53% of Canadians said their grief was largely unrecognized, and 50% felt inadequately supported in their grief.  It can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is grieving; some helpful ways to start a conversation might be “I’m sorry this happened to you” or “I won’t pretend to know what you’re going through or how you feel, but I’m here for you.”

Reflect

Grieving is the necessary process of acknowledging the loss, coping with the many changes it creates and adapting to life as it moves forward.  It is important to understand that grief differs for everyone, and it is not something a person can “get over” or “fix.”  Take time to reflect on how you can support someone else in grief.  83% of survey respondents identified being asked about their loss as helpful.  Some ways to start a conversation might include “Just letting you know I am thinking of you,” or “Whatever you’re feeling is alright,” or “If you would like to talk about (the loss), I’m here to listen.”

Connect

Finding connection through loss can be a powerful tool for those who are grieving.  Survey respondents identified that the most important sources of support are family and friends, grief counsellors, community grief programs or peer support groups.  Some helpful ways of offering support include: “Would you like some company?”; “We could go for a walk together”; “Would it be okay if I brought you dinner or mowed your lawn?”; “I am going to phone you again in a few days” or “We don’t have to talk, we can just be together.”

The Prairie Mountain Health Regional Palliative Care Program is marking National Grief and Bereavement Day by educating the public about the importance of supporting one another and sharing the grief support available in our health region.  Below is a listing of telephone lines, peer support groups and online resources:

Telephone Support Lines

• Province-Wide Bereavement Phone Line (Palliative Manitoba): 1-800-539-0295
• Hope for Wellness Line (Indigenous peoples): 1-855-242-3310
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
• Prairie Mountain Health Crisis Services: 1-866-332-3030 (North) and 1-888-379-7699 (South)
• Winnipeg Humane Society Pet Loss Support Line: 1-204-988-8804

Grief Support Groups and Seminars

• Brandon and Area Suicide Bereavement Support Group (SPIN): 1-204-761-4083
• Brockie Donovan Funeral Services Grief Seminars (Brandon): 1-204-727-0697
• Compassionate Friends of SW Manitoba (Brandon and areas): 1-855-727-1823
• Dauphin Way United Methodist Church Grief Groups (Dauphin): 1-251-378-7524
• GriefShare Support Group (Dauphin): 1-204-648-7053
• GriefShare Support Group (Russell): 1-204-773-6963
• Healing Hearts Substance Use Bereavement Support Group (Brandon): 1-204-573-0188
• Memories Chapel Journey Through Grief Support Group (Brandon): 1-204-727-0330
• Palliative Manitoba Kids and Teens Grieve Too! Support Group (virtual): 1-800-539-0295
• Paull Funeral Home Grief Recovery Program (Swan River): 1-204-293-9661
• Peer Connections Manitoba (Dauphin) 1-431-345-0353
• Prairie Mountain Health Camp Bridges (Children 7-15): 1-204-578-2340
• Westman Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba Grief Groups (Brandon) 1-204-721-2174

Helpful Websites

• Canadian Grief Alliance: Grief Chats Webinars and Recordings: https://www.canadiangriefalliance.ca/
• Canadian Virtual Hospice: My Grief  https://mygrief.ca/
• Canadian Virtual Hospice: Kids Grief https://www.kidsgrief.ca/
• Prairie Mountain Health: https://prairiemountainhealth.ca/programs-and-services/palliative-care/

If you would like more information about grief support, please reach out to the Palliative Care Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator, Carla Mitchell, at 204-578-2310 or [email protected].

Submitted by:

Carla Mitchell, MSW/RSW

Regional Palliative Care Program

References:

National Public Consultation on Grief Executive Summary https://www.canadiangriefalliance.ca/media/r25humkl/2024-05-16-cga-grief-survey-executive-summary_fin.pdf

Ideas to Support Someone Who is Grieving https://www.canadiangriefalliance.ca/media/tjcoyzig/supporting-someone-en.pdf

Grief Is…. https://www.canadiangriefalliance.ca/media/q4te13py/finding-the-words-grief-infographic_p2.pdf

CHPCA National Grief and Bereavement Day Toolkit https://www.chpca.ca/awareness/national-grief-and-bereavement-day/

World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week | Nov 18-24

World AMR Awareness Week is a global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance and is celebrated from November 18-24 every year. 

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the top global health threats, yet most don’t recognize its impact. 

Antimicrobial resistance happens when microorganisms change in ways that make medications used to cure the infections they cause ineffective.  When a microorganism becomes resistant to most antimicrobials, they are often referred to as “superbugs.”

Antimicrobial resistance is not new.  Alexander Fleming won a Nobel Prize for his discovery of penicillin; he worried that AMR would make penicillin ineffective.  Since then, bacterial resistance has been discovered in every antibiotic ever marketed.

Thanks to antibiotics, people no longer die due to uncomplicated infections.  Surgery is possible, life expectancy has increased, and infant mortality rates have decreased.  But if we don’t slow the rate of AMR, we may be pushed back into an era where uncomplicated infections become significant health threats.

When we use antibiotics to treat infection, they kill susceptible bacteria, leaving behind resistant bacteria that can multiply to take their place.  We know that one of the biggest risk factors for the development of AMR is the use and misuse of antibiotics for people and animals.

A study of antibiotic use in Manitoba, “Antibiotics: too Much of a Good Thing?” showed that many people were prescribed antibiotics for infections that cannot be effectively treated with antibiotics or were prescribed inappropriate antibiotics.  These practices can lead to AMR.

What can we do to reduce the risk of AMR?

Antibiotics are ineffective for viral infections, such as colds, uncomplicated otitis media (ear infections) or most cases of sinusitis.  We can decrease antibiotic use by ensuring that antibiotics are not prescribed when unnecessary.  We can also reduce the risk of AMR by using narrow-spectrum antibiotics for the shortest length of time needed to treat the infection.

Choosing Wisely Canada has some excellent resources on their Using Antibiotics Wisely and Using Antibiotics Wisely in Primary Care pages.  The Manitoba AMR Alliance also has valuable resources.

Read Mary’s story, How antibiotic resistance impacts lives – Canada.ca, to see how AMR can profoundly affect our ability to effectively treat infection.

Just for fun: take the quiz – Which Antibiotic Are You?

Breastfeeding Week | October 1-7, 2024

In Canada, we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week from October 1 to 8.  World Breastfeeding Week is a time to celebrate the role breastfeeding plays in providing children with the healthiest start in life.

Breast milk has just the right amount of fat, vitamins, protein, carbohydrates and minerals for optimal infant growth.  Breast milk also contains antibodies and other immune factors to help protect against infections and disease.  Breastfeeding benefits mothers’ short- and long-term health and will strengthen the special relationship between mother and baby.

This year’s theme is “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.”  This year’s theme will focus on increasing awareness of the inequalities in breastfeeding support and relevance.   Breastfeeding saves lives and is the key intervention to promote both mother and baby’s health, survival and wellbeing.  Breastfeeding promotes both short and long-term health, good nutrition and food security in normal and emergency situations.

Between 2015 and 2021, the global rate of exclusive breastfeeding of infants in the first six months has steadily increased from 38% to 48% and is on track to reach the 50% target of 2025. 

Although progress is happening, it is unequal and insufficient.  Differences in breastfeeding rates occur not only between regions and countries but also within countries.  Structural, organizational, interpersonal and community determinates of infant feeding choices drive the inequity of breastfeeding.  Failing to rectify these inequities will result in a widening gap, even if the overall breastfeeding trend is positive.  Therefore, investment in breastfeeding to address these inequities is vital and can help alleviate the social inequalities.  It is time to inform and engage in actions to help ensure breastfeeding support for all to close the gap of breastfeeding inequalities. 

Brandon Manitoba has many resources to help families during their breastfeeding journey.  These include the following:

• La Leche League Canada is an international organization dedicated to helping mothers reach their breastfeeding goals.
• Local Public Health Nurse.  Find your local area nurse at Public Health – Prairie Mountain Health
• Western  Medical Clinic Family Physicians can assist with breastfeeding concerns.
• The Wellness Clinic Family Physician can assist with breastfeeding concerns.
• Next Trimester Co. for prenatal classes.
• Lactation Consultant at Brandon Regional Health Centre – 204-578-4268.

Canadian Patient Safety Week | Oct. 28- Nov. 1, 2024

What comes to mind when you think about healthcare harm?

This year’s national theme is about recognizing and reducing all forms of health-care harm, to create safety for everyone.

Recent data shows that in 2022-2023, one in 17 hospital stays in Canada involved at least one harmful event.

In the past, patient safety efforts have been focused on potentially preventable physical harm.  But healthcare harm can come in other forms, such as psychological, spiritual and social harm.

Everyone is responsible for safety in our healthcare system.  During Canadian Patient Safety Week, let’s explore how healthcare harm is happening by starting the conversation, and taking action.

Prairie Mountain Health is collaborating with Shared Health, who is hosting a virtual safety conversation about harm, and also launching the Provincial Patient Safety Learning page during Patient Safety Week.  Patient Safety Week – Shared Health – Health Providers (sharedhealthmb.ca)

Staff and Patients/Families are invited to participate in the Virtual Safety Conversations Survey for a change to win a $20 gift card.

Fill out our Virtual Safety Conversations survey and be entered to win a $20 gift card. The survey is open to staff, patients and the general public, and closes Nov. 3, 2024.

Healthcare harm matters to those receiving and delivering care. Recognizing and reducing harm is all essential to creating safety for all.

Let’s broaden our understanding and reduce the impact of healthcare harm together.

Learn more at: UnderstandHarm.ca

Malnutrition Week October 7-11, 2024

October 7-11, 2024 is Canadian Malnutrition Awareness Week. This year’s theme is:

ACT – Advocate – Collaborate – Transform. This theme focuses on strategies to advocate for better nutrition care across healthcare settings.

 One example of how we can ACT and improve nutrition care is the recent purchase of a metabolic cart for patients at the Brandon Regional Health Center. The dietitians advocated purchasing this new equipment and collaborated with physicians and management to write a proposal. It was approved and purchased by the BRHC Foundation, transforming nutrition care for acute care patients. It gives the Dietitian an accurate measure of a patient’s nutrition needs. This allows the Dietitians to prescribe the best nutrition plan and plays a role in getting patients better and home sooner.

Another group that can benefit from ACT is older adults living in the community where 1 in 3 are at nutrition risk. Family and friends can Advocate if they notice weight or muscle loss, loss of appetite, frailty, or mental health issues. If these signs are present, Collaborate with health care providers such as Doctors, Nurses, and Dietitians.  With help addressing these issues, their life can be transformed by improved independence, immunity and decreasing the need to go to the hospital.

ACT is important with children, too. Up to 1 in 3 children admitted to hospital are malnourished.  If you have a child in hospital, advocate by asking if weight, height or length (and head circumference in children under two years old) have been checked. When you go home, collaborate with the healthcare team and ask for a nutrition plan. Ask to meet with a Dietitian if you need help or have questions. This can Transform your child’s experience by improving growth and recovery and possibly resulting in a shorter stay in hospital.

Nutrition is important at all stages of life; if you have a concern, remember to ACT!

Mental Illness Awareness Week | October 6 – 12, 2024

Access for All: Time for Action, Time for Change

Illness, which arises from a mental health or addiction problem, can affect all aspects of a person’s life, from an overall experience of well-being to relationships, from employment opportunities to life expectancy. Let’s work together to create a culture of understanding and acceptance.

Mental health, refers to our overall well-being. It’s possible to experience poor mental health without having a mental illness, and conversely, individuals with a diagnosed mental illness can also have good mental health. Mental illness, on the other hand, refers to diagnoses that can significantly affect a person’s thinking, mood, or behavior. These conditions can vary in severity and include disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, among others.

Twenty-six years ago, in 1999, the Brandon Mental Health Center closed its doors. This closure was a result of a “Deinstitutionalization Movement.” People recognized that long-term mental health facilities harmed the human right of freedom of the individual. Once admitted, patients could spend the rest of their lives in an institution, isolated from their communities and families, and subject to care that could be coercive or harmful. This practice also increased stigma in the community. People were treated differently or made to feel ashamed of their illness.

Stigma results in fewer opportunities for work, school, social activities, or housing. It can cause bullying or violence. It isolates people, and it may increase the risk of exploitation. Stigma reinforces a false belief that a person cannot or will not be successful in overcoming challenges or succeeding in their goals. Stigma, discrimination, and harmful experiences – particularly in childhood – can reduce mental wellness.

Mental illness is on the rise in Canada. For example, between 2012 and 2022, the prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder doubled, from 2.6% to 5.2%. If you have not had personal experience with a mental illness, it is likely you know somebody who has. In 2022, 18% of Canadians 15 and over met the diagnostic criteria for a mood, anxiety, or substance use disorder in the prior 12 months (Mental disorders and access to mental health care (statcan.gc.ca)).

People who live with mental illness may not have similar access to conditions that support health compared to someone who does not have a mental illness. Researchers have identified these conditions as the “social determinants of mental health.” Income, employment, education, food security and nutrition, social support and connections, and physical and psychological safety, particularly in childhood, are all essential factors that can promote – or harm – our mental health.

By improving access to life factors promoting health, we can increase the well-being of our communities, families, and ourselves. There are practical steps we can all take to improve the mental health of ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities:

Get Informed!

• Listen to the people around you. Taking time to hear stories can provide valuable insight into the symptoms and challenges associated with mental illness or mental distress. You will hear about a variety of ways that people find support during challenging times, and you will hear about the barriers people are experiencing in real-time.
• Stigma and discrimination cause harm. The Ontario Human Rights Commission has more information about the historical harms of mental health discrimination in Appendix A: Historical context | Ontario Human Rights Commission (ohrc.on.ca).
• PMH and partners are committed to addressing access and equity for differing needs in our region.  We are in the process of, and have, shifted our system to improve access for those in highest need, and together with our provincial partners, are developing new access, intake, assessment and coordination systems.  PMH currently provides a robust number of Mental Health and Addictions services with a framework that spans Crisis & Emergency, Acute and Specialized and Community-Based Services, and continues to advocate for additional available services in the region for all citizens.  For a complete listing of services available, please visit www.prairiemountainhealth.ca. 

Get Connected!

• Strong social connections increase well-being and can also increase life expectancy.

• Shared Health has developed a Mental Health and Wellness Resource Finder, available online at Mental Health Resource Finder – Shared Health (sharedhealthmb.ca)
• Consider education like Mental Health First Aid or SafeTALK. For more information, go to Public Classes – Prairie Mountain Health

Get Active!

• Self-care is an essential first step in improving wellness in our community. Consider your nutrition, activity, coping, and personal connections and develop a plan if there are areas you would like to improve. Reach out to your community for information or to share your journey!
• Consider participating with local organizations and committees working to improve mental health and wellness in your community.
  • Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 6-12. The theme is “Access for All: Time for Action, Time for Change”. Consider participating in activities occurring during this week and into the Fall.

If you or a loved one need support, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are resources available.

In an emergency, always call 911 or contact your local hospital or health office.

Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 9-8-8 for support, available to all Canadians in English and French, 24/7.

Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line: Reach out at 1-877-435-7170, a crisis line available 24 hours a day.

Westman Crisis Services: For local support in the Brandon area, contact 204-725-4411 or 1-888-379-7699.

PMH-North: You can also reach 1-866-332-3030 for services in the PMH-North area.

Events

Online Presentation – What is Mental Illness?

Tuesday, Oct. 8

12:00-1:00 pm

What is mental illness? What kinds of mental illnesses are there and what do they look like? What are some common myths about mental illness, and how can we reduce the stigma around mental illness? As part of Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 6-12), join us for a free online lunch-hour presentation that looks at these questions and more.

Visit https://www.cmhaacrossmb.ca/events/mental-illness-presentation/ to register.

Online Course – Insights into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Wednesday, Oct. 9

7:00-8:30 pm

This free online course will define seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and present practical strategies and skills for better health & well-being during the winter months.

Visit https://www.cmhaacrossmb.ca/events/online-course-insights-into-sad/ to register.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30

Prairie Mountain Health is located on the original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, and Dakota peoples and the homeland of the Métis Nation.

Prairie Mountain Health has committed to begin the work of reconciliation with the Indigenous people and communities in our region.

Many generations of First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were forcibly placed in more than 130 residential schools in a calculated effort to eradicate Indigenous languages and cultures from the 1870s to 1996.

In June 2021, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-5 to name September 30 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to recognize the past harms and wrongs inflicted on Indigenous children in residential schools by making it a federal statutory holiday.

September 30, also known as Orange Shirt Day, acknowledges Phyllis Webstad’s story that started the movement.

To commemorate the children who never returned home, survivors of residential schools, and those impacted by this legacy, WEAR ORANGE to show your commitment to reconciliation. 

Take a moment to reflect on what reconciliation means to you and how you can advance reconciliation in the workplace and in your community. 

Reconciliation is inevitable, though it is how we choose to make the relationship with Indigenous people that matters.  

Nellie Kopitz – Regional Manager of Indigenous Health, Prairie Mountain Health

Events Throughout Our Region

This is a small list of many events happening within our region. We encourage you to participate in events in your community. If you are an event organizer, please email [email protected] to have your event added to this list.

• Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation – The 2024 Reconciliation Run will take place on September 28th. Contact [email protected] for more information or visit www.reconciliationrun.ca to learn more.
• Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council – Monday, September 30 to Friday, October 4.  Visit the BUAPC Facebook page to stay up to date and see the full schedule. See Truth and Reconciliation Week poster for more information.

Links

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Government of Canada.ca

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, 2024

With the arrival of June 21 comes the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

Annually, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples’ Day (NIPD).

Indigenous people acknowledge the teachings of the four seasons by their representation on the medicine wheel. Summer is a time of growth and warmth. NIPD provides the experience to grow in awareness and understanding and build relationships as people come together to celebrate the culture of Indigenous people.

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) acknowledges the history, heritage, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples within our health region.

Prairie Mountain Health provides health services on the original lands of Treaty 1, 2 & 4, territories of the Dakota, Ojibway and Cree people and the Red River Métis. We acknowledge the traditional territories and treaties that confirm recognition and respect for the Indigenous populations – past and present.

PMH encourages all who deliver health services on the original lands of First Nations people and on the homeland of Métis citizens to recognize the ongoing obligation to provide culturally safe health care. As an organization, we will continue to embrace the distinct cultural knowledge, practices and traditions of Indigenous Peoples and continue efforts to strengthen relationships with the Indigenous communities and peoples who we serve.

Watch social media for announcements and information on this year’s coming events in Brandon.

For NIPD events near your area, contact your local First Nation or Métis community. 

If you are holding events in the PMH region, please share information by emailing the details to [email protected]

For more information on NIPD, check out the Government of Canada’s link About National Indigenous Peoples Day (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)

Brandon

Dauphin

Swan River