A day in the life of a Respiratory Therapist

A day in the life of… Taylor. Taylor has an important, life-saving job, but their profession is one that most people would not be able to describe. They are a registered respiratory therapist (RRT). Here is a snapshot of how Taylor spends their day.

Their shift starts in the hospital report room at 7:30 AM – coffee in hand, they are prepared for the 12-hour shift ahead of them. With their ever-present stethoscope around their neck and a pen in their pocket, Taylor learns from their co-worker, who is finishing the night shift, about the patient requirements for the day – six ventilated patients in ICU need assessments; two patients with tracheostomy tubes need care; three patients on the ward are on heated high flow oxygen devices; a breathing test has been ordered for a patient; and arterial blood gas needs to be drawn before a patient is sent home on oxygen.

At 7:45 AM, just as the report is finished, a “Code Blue” is called in the emergency department. Taylor rushes to the ED. They proceed to intubate and ventilate the patient to keep her airway open. They help the team administer life-saving respirations during the resuscitation. After 40 minutes of constant efforts to resuscitate the patient, the team is unsuccessful. Her grieving family arrives and as Taylor holds back tears they say “thank you for trying to save her”.

It’s now 8:35 AM. Taylor heads off to begin assessments of their patients and attend interdisciplinary rounds with the team in ICU. As they are about to enter the ICU, their pager goes off. They are needed in the NICU for a premature infant. The baby is born at just 32 weeks but is moaning and grunting and showing signs of increased work of breathing. Taylor starts the baby on nasal CPAP to open up his tiny lungs. Although the baby is small, he is in good health and his lungs begin working well. Mom, Dad and Grandparents cry with joy at this tiny miracle.

Throughout the rest of Taylor’s shift, they educate a patient with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) about his inhaled medications and discusses smoking cessation options. They take an arterial blood gas and set up a woman for oxygen at home to improve her shortness of breath with activities of daily living. Taylor assesses and manages patients in the intensive care unit on mechanical ventilators. Taylor discusses a plan for the tracheostomy patients with the physician to downsize or decannulate as part of the weaning process. They educate patients and other health care professionals about oxygen delivery devices.

You may wonder what type of health care professional gets to work in a variety of settings like Taylor. Taylor is a registered respiratory therapist. Not every respiratory therapist has a shift like Taylor’s. Among others, some work in the operating room as anesthesia assistants, others perform pulmonary function testing, research, work in home care or educate students. Respiratory therapists are important members of teams that provide care in hospitals, in clinics, in the community and in patients’ homes. The cycle of life and death is one of the profound and amazing things that a respiratory therapist gets to impact in the course of a day’s work. Whether it is in acute care, health prevention and promotion or diagnostic testing, the message is the same – respiratory therapists are dedicated to better breathing.

How does someone become a Respiratory Therapist?

Respiratory therapists graduate from three- or four-year programs (or equivalent) that include theory, lab and clinical components. In most jurisdictions, passing a credentialling exam and/or a license to practice is required following graduation. Learn more about the Respiratory Therapy (BRT) program offered at the University of Manitoba.

Data from the federal government and the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists indicate a strong need for RTs in the next few years! RTs can move from one province and work in another, but a provincial license to practice is required in most provinces.

For more information, contact the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists:
www.csrt.com
1-800-267-3422
[email protected]

October 22-28, 2023 is Respiratory Therapist Week

See some of the Respiratory Therapists from around Prairie Mountain Health.

Hi, my name is Tina Szewczyk and my colleague is Erin Forsyth. We are the Registered Respiratory Therapists at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre. I have been an RRT for 27 years, and worked with PMH at the DRHC in acute care for 18 years. I was born and raised in McCreary. Erin Forsyth is standing with the ventilator. Erin has been an RRT since 2002. Previously working in the OR at Seven Oaks in Winnipeg, she relocated with her children and spouse, who also works at DRHC. She began here at DRHC in the Respiratory Clinic in Nov 2020, and has recently begun a permanent position at the DRHC in acute care. We are thrilled to have her join our Team at DRHC. Working to support the Respiratory Health of our friends, family and the north PMH communities at large brings great satisfaction to us both.

Happy RT Week from the Respiratory Therapists at Brandon Rregional Health Centre!

Pictured L-R: Teresa Chapin, Kelley Fingas, Jennifer Sambrook, Alyssa Elliott and Kortney Blosha
Missing from Photo: Stephanie Nicholls, Teagan Kinsley, Rachel Veitch, Makenzie Riess, Lana Minuk, and Leah Sumner

National Breastfeeding Week 2023

In Canada we celebrate National Breastfeeding Week from October 1-8.** National 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 growth of the infant. 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 “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents”. This theme shines a light on how parents should not have to choose between breastfeeding their children and their work. Making breastfeeding at work, work makes societies work! Here in Canada families are blessed with paid maternity leave. This is not the case in many countries.

Breastfeeding support is possible regardless of workplace, sector or contract type. Effective maternity policies improve children’s and women’s health and protect breastfeeding. Despite this, currently more than half a billion working women lack access to vital maternity policies; many more find themselves unsupported when they return to work. All women everywhere no matter their work should have at least 18 weeks, preferably more than 6 months, paid maternity leave; paid time off for breastfeeding or expressing milk upon returning to work; and flexible return to work options. (World Health Organization)

Ways to make a difference for working parents:

Encourage parents to learn about national maternity leave benefits.
Advocate in your workplace for flexible back to work schedules for breastfeeding parents.
Advocate in your workplace to provide a place to breastfeed or express breastmilk while at work.
Lobby local governments to improve maternity benefits/access to breastfeeding support.
Encourage and support families on maternity leave.

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

La Leche League Canada This is an international organization that is 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.
The Baby Bump for prenatal classes.
Lactation Consultant at Brandon Regional Health Centre – 204-578-4268.

Find additional resources at breastfeedingcanada.ca

**Canada celebrates World Breastfeeding Week in October.

Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 1-7^th 2023

Each Year the first week of October is Canada’s National Campaign to enhance the awareness of mental Illness. The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health set out the theme this year as Awareness, Access and Parity for Mental Health and Substance use Care in Canada. It is important to take time this week to educate yourself on mental illness. With greater understanding we strive to reduce stigma related to mental illness and substance use, along with breaking down barriers to seeking support around these issues. We want to encourage individuals with lived experiences or for those who have been affected to share their stories to break down barriers so people don’t feel alone in their struggles and to identify gaps in the need for services.

A mental illness is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation or behavior. It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. It should be stated that because you have a mental illness does not mean you have poor mental health, and vice versa, you may not have a mental illness but you can still have poor mental health. It is important for each one of us to look after our mental health as we would care for our physical health.

At any one time many factors such as stress, family, community, or environmental factors can combine to protect or undermines one’s mental health. The World Who Organization states that although many people are resilient to life’s adversities, there are circumstances that could put individuals at higher risk such as poverty, violence, disability and inequality. Protective factors and risk factors can include individual psychological and biological factors such as emotional skills and coping and as well as genetics. Many of the risk and protective factors are influence through changes in brain structure or function.

Facts:

Each year 1 out of 5 Canadians experience a mental Health illness each year. – Mental Health Commission of Canada
More than 1 in 2 of struggling Canadians are not getting the mental health help they need. – Mental Health Research Canada
Untreated mental illness costs the Canadian economy around $50 billion every year. – Canadian Mental Health Association
Over 20% of Canadians in any given year will experience mental health concerns, only a third of those people will seek help or treatment. – Statistics Canada
In Canada, an average of 20 deaths per day are because of opioid overdose. – Statistics Canada

Please take time to educate yourself on mental health/illness. It is important we are all working together to raise awareness, fight stigma and provide support to those in need.

Should you or a loved one need support please do not hesitate to reach out for help. You can contact the Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line at 1-877-435-7170, a crisis line available 24 hours per day. A trained crisis worker will listen to you and direct you to the resources you need. Locally you can contact Westman Crisis Services at 204-725-4411 or 1-888-379-7699 in Brandon Area, or 1-866-332-3030 for PMH-North- In an emergency call 911 or contact a local hospital or health office.

COMING SOON: On Nov. 30 2023 the 988-suicide crisis line will be available to all Canadians in English and French, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. It will offer trauma-informed and culturally appropriate services by trained crisis responders by phone or text.

Malnutrition Week October 2-6, 2023

Stronger together. The 1 in 3 older adults in the community at nutrition risk and the 2 in 3 people in long term care with malnutrition are counting on their health care teams to work together to address malnutrition. This year, Malnutrition Week from October 2-6^th is focused on making team based care even better for those at risk of and those living with malnutrition. Take a look at the ideas below to see how to help prevent and treat malnutrition.

Patients and residents

Tell your healthcare team if you have lost weight without trying or are eating less than usual or don’t feel like eating.

Health care aides

Help with meal set up and assist the person to eat as needed.
Measure patient/resident weights and talk with the team if you notice poor food intake or weight loss.

Housekeeping

Avoid cleaning rooms on the unit when meals are being served.
Help patients and families keep beside tables clear for meals and uneaten food properly stored.

Food Services

Serve nutrient dense, appealing food that considers culture, likes and dislikes.
Ensure food is available during the day and after food service hours too.

Allied Health

Identify patients at nutrition risk such as those living with food insecurity or unable to do their own shopping or cooking.
Suggest least restrictive diets that are still safe for the patient or resident.
Use medications to help when intake is poor (to reduce nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pain, etc.)
Develop plans that support best seating, position, support and tools at meal times.

Nurses

Screen patients and residents for nutrition risk and work as a team to create a plan.
Encourage family and friends to bring in food and stay for meal time visit if patient/resident is not eating well.
Decrease mealtime interruptions.

Doctors

Diagnose, document and treat malnutrition. Don’t forget nutrition as part of discharge plans.
Order diets with few restrictions and Medpass (high energy drink to take with medications) when appropriate.
Say No to NPO (nothing by mouth)

Family, friends and volunteers

Talk to the care team if you have concerns about your family member/friend’s weight loss or decreased food intake.
Assist your family member/friend with setting up at meals and help them to eat as much as possible from what is served.
Provide company during meals

For more ideas in how we can be Stronger Together against malnutrition, check out: Involving Everyone in Nutrition Care or www.nutritioncareincanada.ca.

References

Public Health Agency of Canada PHAC. (2010). The chief public health officer’s report on the state of public health in Canada 2010 – Growing older: adding life to years.

Keller H, Vucea V, Slaughter SE, Jager-Wittenaar H, Lengyel C, Ottery FD, Carrier N. Prevalence of Malnutrition or Risk in Residents in Long Term Care: Comparison of Four Tools. J Nutr Gerontol Geriatr. 2019 Oct-Dec;38(4):329-344. doi: 10.1080/21551197.2019.1640165. Epub 2019 Jul 23. PMID: 31335280.
Ramage-Morin et al. Health Reports 2013
Schuetz et al. Lancet 2019;
Howatson et al. J Prim Health Care 2015

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.

On the northwest side of Brandon was the Brandon Residential School, which operated from 1895 to 1972. The legacy of the residential school era continues today and impacts us all.

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 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 2023 Reconciliation Run will take place on September 30th. The run will start at 8:00am at the ruins of the original former Birtle Residential School, and conclude on Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation. Once all participants have made it back to Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, community members, volunteers, and participants are invited to a community gathering/feast. Learn more.
Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council – Tuesday, September 26 to Sunday, October 1. All events will take place on the grounds of the Riverbank Discovery Centre in Brandon, except the flag raising ceremony will be held Tuesday morning at City Hall. Visit the BUAPC Facebook page to stay up to date and see the full schedule.
Dauphin – September 30, 220 Whitmore Ave (Parkland Crossing) at 11:00 am. Please join us as we take time on this day to commemorate the tragic and painful history as well as the ongoing impacts of residential schools. Cultural entertainment will follow.
Swan River – Join in on September 30th for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation walk. Beginning at 11am, Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre (1413 Main Street E) Free lunch to follow.

Links

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

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

World Suicide Prevention Day | September 10

World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. Across the Prairie Mountain Health region, numerous activities are planned for the week of September 10 to recognize the importance of suicide prevention strategies and remember those lost by suicide. The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is Creating Hope Through Action, as outlined by the International Association for Suicide Prevention.¹

One in every 100 deaths worldwide is a result of suicide, and the impact of a person’s death by suicide can be devastating and felt deeply by their support network. World Suicide Prevention Day is a chance to talk about suicide and realize that each of us can play a valuable part in preventing suicide, whether our actions are big or small. ^2.Suicide prevention is everyone’s business.

The power of coming together and reaching out is immeasurable. Often, we fear that intervening when someone else is struggling and asking about suicide will put the idea of suicide in someone’s head. This is a myth.

Talking about suicide is difficult, but there are things you can do. You can listen to people with a non-judgmental ear and remind the person you care for them. You can check in with people regularly to see how they are doing and listen supportively. You do not need to have all the answers. You can let others know they are not alone. You can be aware of resources in your area and introduce people to those resources.

Some activities you can participate in:

Light a candle in your window to remember someone lost by suicide at 8 pm on September 10.
Chalk your sidewalk with hopeful messages, walk down these sidewalks with someone, and talk about mental wellness.
Take part in an awareness walk in your area.
Attend mental wellness education that could help you learn more about preventing suicide.

Events happening in some PMH rural and northern communities:

Chalk the Walk– happening in Ste. Rose, Swan River, Dauphin, and Roblin. Community members or businesses interested in participating can pick chalk up from their local HERO Club or Community Health office in Swan River, Roblin and Dauphin, and the Community Health office in Ste. Rose. Chalk the Walk does not have a set date and will run from September 4 to 11th in these communities.
Awareness Walks– happening in Swan River and Roblin. The Walk in Swan River will start and end at Co-op and occur between Noon – 1 pm on September 8. Roblin’s Awareness Walk will start and end at the Roblin HERO Club (146 Main Street West) and run from 1 pm – 2 pm on September 11.
SafeTalk-workshops – happening in Roblin, Ste. Rose and Swan River on September 11. SafeTalk workshops in Swan River and Ste. Rose are from 1 pm – 5 pm and in Roblin from 9 am – Noon. If you are interested in registering, contact Lana Parker at [email protected] or phone 204-638-2118 ext. 1713. The cost to participate is $20.

Events happening in the Brandon Area:

The Suicide Prevention Implementation Network (SPIN) will host several initiatives from September 4 to 11^th. SPIN will acknowledge World Suicide Prevention Day on September 8, 2023. Please follow SPIN on social media for event updates.

Chalk the Walk – SPIN hopes businesses and support services around Brandon will partner with SPIN in this campaign. If interested in participating, SPIN will provide chalk and corresponding marketing materials. SPIN asks that each organization start the initiative on their sidewalk with their message of hope, tagging @spin_brandon and encouraging clients/individuals within your business to participate. SPIN will re-share your posts to recognize your support. Please contact [email protected] to make arrangements to pick up chalk.
Clothing fundraiser – new SPIN signature sweaters and a special World Suicide Prevention Day t-shirt will be available. Funds raised will go towards providing Suicide Alertness training for the community. Please email [email protected] for more information or check SPIN social media for details.

FREE 3-hour safeTALK training – Thursday, September 7, from 5 pm -8 pm. This educational opportunity will help you to be ready to reach out to someone thinking about suicide, overcome attitudes that act as barriers to help, talk openly about suicide and identify and connect people to resources in your area. SPACE is limited; register by emailing [email protected]
Community lunch/recognition event – Friday, September 8 at Princess Park, Brandon, from Noon- 1 pm. Tables and displays will be set up to acknowledge individuals and organizations working towards suicide prevention and life promotion in our community. You can also pick up chalk at this event.
Candlelight vigil – SPIN encourages people to participate in a candlelight vigil on Sunday, September 10, at 8 pm to honor loved ones who have died by suicide or been impacted by suicide. Pick up a candle and care package on September 8 at Princess Park between Noon-1 pm.

For more information on these or other regional events, please contact SPIN at 204-578-2599 or email [email protected].

If you are struggling or concerned about someone else’s suicidal thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Contact the Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line at 1-877-435-7170, a crisis line available 24 hours per day. A trained crisis worker will listen to you and direct you to the needed resources.

PMH Resources contact Westman Crisis Services at 204-725-4411 or 1-888-379-7699 in the Brandon Area or 1-866-332-3030 for PMH-North- Call 911 or contact a local hospital or health office.

COMING SOON: On November 30, 2023, the 988-suicide crisis line will be available to all Canadians in English and French, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. It will offer trauma-informed and culturally appropriate services by trained crisis responders by phone or text.

Prairie Mountain Health- North Mental Wellness and Crisis Resources

Prairie Mountain Health- Mental health: child, adult, and senior’s mental health
Prairie Mountain Health- workshops, training, and clinics
Canadian Mental Health Association- CMHA Swan Valley – Mental Health for All
Hope for Wellness Helpline- Crisis support available for Indigenous people
Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba- programming, peer support, and resources
Peer Connections Manitoba- Peer Connections Manitoba – Your Connection to Wellness (peerconnectionsmb.ca)
Kids help phone- youth crisis support and skill building resource

PROVINCIAL CRISIS RESOURCES

Manitoba Suicide Line	1-877-435-7170
Sexual Assault Crisis Line	1-888-292-7565
Klinic Crisis Line	1-866-367-3276
Manitoba Farm & Rural Stress Line	1-888-322-3019
Manitoba Addictions Help Line	1-855-662-6605
Kids Help Phone	1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line	1-855-242-3310
Reason to Live	reasontolive.ca

¹ International Association for Suicide Prevention. (2023). World suicide prevention day 2023. https://www.iasp.info/wspd/

2 International Association for Suicide Prevention. (2023). Resources: World suicide prevention day banners. https://www.iasp.info/WSPD/resources/

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Day |September 9

Every year, on September 9th, International FASD Awareness Day is observed. People worldwide gather for events to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). This is an opportunity to spread awareness of FASD, diagnosis, strategies, and prevention. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term that describes the range of effects that may result when prenatal alcohol exposure occurs. These lifelong effects include physical, behavioural, and emotional difficulties and learning disabilities. It is estimated that 4% of Canadians have FASD. The Brandon and Area FASD Coalition will distribute 700 children’s books for FASD Day! These will be available to program participants at The Brandon Friendship Centre, Westman Christmas Cheer, Prairie Mountain Health and Westman Regional Library.

Prairie Mountain Health FASD Program

In Manitoba, all assessments for children/youth to diagnose FASD are done by the Manitoba FASD Centre in coordination with the Manitoba FASD Network. The Prairie Mountain Health FASD Diagnostic Coordinator in Brandon at 204-578-2487 or the FASD Diagnostic Coordinator in Dauphin at 204-622-6223.

There are a number of programs available that can support individuals with FASD.

SOS CAMP at Brandon Friendship Centre

Day respite camps for children 6-12 years of age with FASD. Camps run one Saturday each month, along with some weekday skill development. The SOS MB program is designed to provide children a fun, safe day to learn and practice social skills, self-regulation, and fine and large motor skills. Call 204- 571-0670 for more information about the Brandon Camp.

Life’s Journey Inc.

Life’s Journey is a not-for-profit agency supporting individuals with neurodevelopment and co-occurring disorders. Life’s Journey helps people with diverse abilities living in Manitoba. Life’s Journey includes traditional Indigenous healing as a significant component of their clinical services.

This agency strives to provide clinically informed, culturally relevant, wellness oriented, relationship and strengths-based services.

Westman Services

Westman Services is located in Brandon and provides services to individuals eligible for funding through Community Living Disability Services. Individualized services include:

outreach support and mentorship
family support
supported independent living
cluster housing
homeshare (foster)
shift-staffed residences
day program

Westman Services offers various clinical services, including psychology, occupational therapy, addiction support, and access to a Nurse Practitioner. All services are voluntary.

Rural Connections Program

The Rural Connections program provides individualized services for transitional youth and adults impacted by FASD and ineligible for other government support programs. Individuals must be ineligible for funding through Community Living Disability Services, Provincial Alternative Support Services and Community Mental Health. The program is available within the Brandon and Steinbach regions. Rural Connections offers outreach support and mentorship..

For more information on Life’s Journey, Westman Services or the Rural Connections Program call 204-772-1591.

If you are interested in joining the Brandon and Area FASD Coalition, please call 204-578-2487.

For more information visit the Manitoba FASD Coalition

August 31^st marks International Overdose Awareness Day

Purple chairs from around the region in 2022

This annual worldwide campaign to end overdose aims to remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.

In 2022 some Prairie Mountain Health staff joined in the efforts to acknowledge and support people in their communities, raise awareness about the hidden impacts of overdose, and reduce stigma by creating purple chairs and placing them in visible locations with an explanation of their purpose. Community partners were invited to join in and bring this topic to light in our communities.

The 2023 theme for International Overdose Awareness Day is “Recognizing those people who go unseen,”: aiming to honour the people whose lives have been altered by overdose. They are the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one, workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion or spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of a lifesaver.

Join us in continuing to be a part of the change. Get Involved – International Overdose Awareness Day (overdoseday.com) has other options for getting involved, resources, and campaign materials available if you’d like to host an event in your community. Help bring awareness to the Purple Chair Campaign. Print this poster and display it in your community. If you decide to paint a purple chair or do another campaign, let us know; we would love to see all the efforts made. Email Ashley Vandepoele at [email protected] and let her know about it!

Pride Month

PMH is proud to celebrate #Pride & the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.

Celebrations in Our Region

Brandon Pride is celebrating during the week of June 11-17. Visit their Facebook page at Bra ndon Pride.
Pride Winnipeg is hosting events and activities from May 27 – June 5. Visit pridewinnipeg.com for more info.
Pride Winnipegosis is celebrating on Saturday June 10. Visit their Facebook page at Pride Winnipegosis.
Dauphin’s first Pride Parade will take place on June 28. Visit the Northwest Metis Council Facebook page for more info.

If you are hosting an event in your community, please share those details by emailing [email protected], and we would be happy to share that information on our website and on our social media channels.

Support Services

Visit our Transgender Health webpage for information on services available to you within Prairie Mountain Health.

Celebrating Our Staff: The Bailey-Morrison Story

Originally written & published by Shared Health

Visit the Shared Health 2SLGBTQQIA+ Community page for more stories, resources.

Chandel (left) and Crista (right) Bailey-Morrison

“You fall in love with a person, not a gender. You love a person for who they are, not their parts,”
Crista Bailey-Morrison, Patient Services Manager, Dauphin Regional Health Centre

A twist of fate brought Crista Bailey-Morrison to Winnipeg, enrolling in the Paramedicine program at Red River College. There she would meet her future wife, Chandel, who was studying to become a nurse.

“We tell our kids now, how Mommy and Momma met,” explains Chandel Bailey-Morrison, Care Team Manager at Dauphin Regional Health Centre. “The story starts with how two girls met during lunchtime at a microwave, they fell in love and got married.”

At the time, Chandel didn’t expect to fall in love with another woman. She had never been in a same-sex relationship before and wasn’t sure how to navigate her new-found feelings.

“Honest to goodness, it was like something you’d see in a movie,” says Chandel. “Once we kissed, it was like nothing I’d ever felt before in my whole entire life – all I could feel were butterflies! There were sparks and fireworks and everything was going off!”

After keeping their relationship a secret, for what felt too long, Chandel finally gathered up the courage to come out to her parents. Knowing how traditional her father was, Chandel wasn’t sure how he would take the news. Unexpectedly, he answered back with “I’ve known. I’m not comfortable with it right now but I love you so much and I see how happy you are – that’s all that matters to me.”

“I lost it and instantly teared up. I had been terrified to tell him and had so much fear stored up because I didn’t want it to change our family dynamic. We’re all about family in our house, we had dinners together every Sunday and were always doing things together as a family unit. For him to say ‘I will be okay with it someday’ was a huge relief,” shared Chandel.

From that moment on, Crista became a part of Chandel’s family and was included in everything, even Sunday night dinners; and not just as a friend.

“It happened so fast for us because it felt so natural,” explains Chandel. “I knew she was the one.”

The couple proposed to each other only 8 months into their relationship. Understanding their dream destination wedding wasn’t going to be accessible for everyone, Crista and Chandel made a trip out to Alberta to visit Crista’s family before the big day.

“My dad accepted me and who I loved right off the bat. He’s not with us anymore, but he didn’t care who I was with, as long as I was happy,” shares Crista.

During that trip, Chandel surprised Crista with a small wedding in Banff to have Crista’s dad be a part of the celebration.

“Having Chandel arrange everything for us to get married in the mountains was one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever done for me,” says Crista. “Having my dad, my biggest supporter, there to give me away was unforgettable.”

When Crista found a job as a paramedic in Dauphin, Manitoba, Chandel followed and found a job as a nurse in their new hometown. As the couple settled into their new lives, it wasn’t long before they started to dream about growing a family together.

“At first moving to Dauphin was a big culture shock and we didn’t really know anyone,” says Chandel. “We met another gay couple in Dauphin, two men – and when you meet another same sex couple, you gravitate towards them because it’s so few and far between, especially in a small town.”

Finding common ground over dinner one night, Crista and Chandel were talking to their new friends about how starting family can be extremely difficult and costly for them as a same sex couple and felt quite discouraged.

“I didn’t know if I was going to have kids have because I didn’t know how we would do it. I accepted that it might not be in the cards for me,” shared Crista.

“I’ve always wanted to be a mom. It was hardwired in me,” explains Chandel. “The next morning when our friends told us ‘we’d like to help you start a family’, I remember being in in utter disbelief. Tears filled my eyes and wouldn’t stop. This kind of gift really was unimaginable. It takes a really special person to do this for someone. To have them both offer was truly a blessing.”

Nine months later Crista gave birth to their first daughter and 16 months later Chandel gave birth to their second. Surrounded by love, the girls now have a ‘mommy’, a ‘momma’, a ‘daddy’ and ‘dadda’ in their lives as well as five sets of grandparents.

“We all decided to be honest with the girls right from the start. This is your ‘daddy’ and this is your ‘‘dadda,” explains Chandel. “They know who their dads are and as they grow up there isn’t any confusion. We celebrate and visit with extended family as often as we can too!”

Chandel and Crista’s story has inspired others within their small town to live their lives authentically. Many have thanked them, including the parents of queer children, for being an example of what queer can look like, both being respected in the workplace and out in the community raising a family.

“My story and background in the rainbow community as I like to call it, gives me an advantage working in health care,” says Chandel. “I gravitate to those who identify under the rainbow. When I care for them I often mention my wife in conversation and you can physically see their anxiety melt away. I’m almost a type of invisible support for them and help to create a safe space in the hospital.”

“We’re just us; it’s not any different,” says Crista. “To those struggling with coming out and the social pressures I’d say, be who you are and don’t try to hide it, that’s only hurting you. The most important people in your life will stick around.”

“In a sometimes-lonely society, coming together during pride and seeing how many people belong to our community, you realize there are more of us out there,” says Chandel. “I feel proud of who I am and who I’ve become on the journey I’ve taken on with my lovely wife.”

National Indigenous Peoples Day | June 21, 2023

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 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 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.

The Brandon National Indigenous Peoples’ Day Committee will host an in-person event at Riverbank Discovery Centre on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, from 12:00 to 8:00 pm. The outdoor event will include a tipi village, cultural displays, Indigenous entertainment, powwow demonstrations, children’s activities, a bannock demonstration, a food tent, and more. All of which will highlight the unique value of Indigenous culture and ways of knowing. The Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council will hold a tipi raising at the Riverbank Discovery Centre on Tuesday, June 20th starting at 10:30am, in preparation for the events on June 21.

National Indigenous People’s Day Events around PMH
– Brandon

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

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

For more information on NIPD, check out the Government of Canada’s link

About National Indigenous Peoples Day (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)