Quit Smoking and Vaping in 2025

The start of a new year is the perfect time to commit to change.

pink scrabble tiles saying New Year New Opportunities

In Manitoba, more people are taking steps to quit smoking and vaping, and the numbers are inspiring. As of 2022, 14.1% of Manitobans smoke, down from 25.7% over two decades ago. Quitting is possible, and resources are available to help you become part of this positive trend.

Vaping is increasing in popularity. In Manitoba 7.8% of Manitobans vape, the highest rate in Canada. However, even as vaping rises, 42.4% of people who vape daily have made quit attempts in the last year, showing that many are motivated to stop.

If you’re thinking about quitting, 2025 could be your year!

Free Resources to Help You Quit Smoking or Vaping in Manitoba

You don’t have to do it alone. Manitoba offers many free tools and programs, whether you prefer in-person, virtual, or group support. Find the best option for you and take your first step today.

Quit Smoking with Your Manitoba Pharmacist

Great for: Convenient, in-person counselling and financial support for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

Offered by: Many community pharmacists, some in languages other than English

Participating Manitoba pharmacies provide personalized quit plans, including up to nine counselling sessions and a $100 subsidy for Nicotine Replacement Therapy products that your pharmacist might advise are right for you. Note: the deadline to enroll is March 31, 2025.

Smokers’ Helpline

Great for: Virtual one-to-one support.

Offered by: Canadian Cancer Society

A free, confidential service offering phone coaching with a Quit Coach, text support for motivation, and access to an online community with tools and personalized quit plans available in multiple languages.

Talk Tobacco

Great for: Culturally tailored support for First Nation, Inuit, and Indigenous communities.

Offered by: Canadian Cancer Society

Provides free, confidential, and culturally appropriate support and information about quitting smoking or vaping, designed with input from Indigenous leaders and community members.

Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling Program

Great for: People who are ready to quit smoking or vaping in the next 30 days! Convenient, in-person support and financial aid for NRT.

Offered by: Shared Health Manitoba

Offers counselling sessions for low-income patients with a health professional and a Quit Card redeemable for up to $300 of nicotine replacement medications at any Manitoba pharmacy.

To speak to someone in Prairie Mountain Health call 1-877-509-7852

ManitobaQuits

Great for: Joining a virtual community with regular quit challenges.

Offered by: Manitoba Lung Association

A Facebook Group offering peer support and quit challenges with opportunities to win prizes.

Packing it In

Great for: Preparing to quit.

Offered by: Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

Packing it In is a one-session primer on quitting smoking.

Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Motivation Meters

Great for: Staying motivated to quit smoking or vaping.

Offered by: Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA)

An interactive tool that helps you understand the financial and health benefits of quitting, keeping you motivated throughout your journey.

About First Week Challenge

Great for: Short-term commitment with a prize incentive.

Offered by: Smokers’ Helpline

Encourages you to quit smoking for the first seven days of the month, with a chance to win $500, increasing your likelihood of quitting for good.

For more information or to speak to a Registered Nurse about quitting smoking or vaping contact 1-877-509-7852 (toll free) or visit Chronic Disease Education Program – Prairie Mountain Health

Let’s make 2025 your year to quit for good!

Capital Construction Project Update | January 2025

Neepawa Health Centre

Construction on the new Neepawa Health Centre is approximately half-way through completion. The building is sealed and watertight, with nearly all of the exterior building envelope completed including cladding, masonry and roofing.

Work to develop the 39 acre site, including a new heliport, is progressing nicely; landscape development, paving and curbs for parking lots are now visible, with asphalt work to begin in 2025.

In 2025, the primary focus will continue to be on the interior, building out all of the various hospital clinical program areas and public spaces. It’s anticipated the building will be turned over to Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) in mid-2026 to begin several months of staff training, prior to seeing the first patient in the new facility in late 2026 or early 2027.

Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC)

Construction to expand clinical spaces within the BRHC campus continues, with work on the new critical care bed tower addition approximately 70 per cent complete. Work continues in January to complete the structural steel for the 4^th floor link. Flooring is complete in both wings on the main floor and north wing on the 2^nd floor. On the first floor, drywall is painted and wall protection installed.

The ‘eyebrow’ architectural feature on the 4^th floor of the building’s east side is closed in with windows expected to arrive and be installed in 2025.

The latest schedule will have the first patients arriving within the new areas during winter of 2026.

BRHC Construction, northwest view and the main floor work on the new north wing.

Western Manitoba Cancer Centre (WMCC) Brandon

Construction on the expanded and renovated Construction on the expanded and renovated WMCC which serves as a regional cancer hub, is nearly complete. The 9,418-sq.-ft. oncology expansion will feature six exam rooms and one area for minor procedures. The minor procedure room will be utilized for radiation oncology, Telehealth appointments, as well as future planning for additional services (to be determined in collaboration with PMH and CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB).

Some exterior finishing work is expected to be completed in the new year. Space for the new medical linear accelerator, used for delivering external beam radiation treatments to patients, has been used for treatment since early November.

The new ‘Paul Albrechtsen Centre for Hope’ is dedicated to providing additional recovery support and counselling resources for patients.

In addition to the expansion of exam rooms, the new linear accelerator and the Centre for Hope, an expansion of interdisciplinary team members to support patients across PMH is an important piece of the service enhancements.

This includes an increase of two full-time nurses, one slating clerk, additional dietitian hours, an additional nurse navigator, a navigation clerk and an additional psychosocial oncology clinician. While the base site is WMCC, this staffing increase will support all seven community cancer programs across PMH.

The Centre for Hope will also provide therapy services in the form of an additional part-time occupational therapist and a speech language pathologist for patients currently receiving treatment from within the PMH region.

Furniture and equipment are being installed in the oncology clinic and Centre for Hope early in the new year.

New linear accelerator within WMCC and Paul Albrechtsen Centre for Hope

Dauphin Regional Health Centre

The two-phased Dauphin Clinical Spaces Redevelopment Project is now complete. The new endoscopy suite area on the main floor opened in early November.

Renovated space to create nine additional inpatients beds is complete. Seven of these are newly renovated single occupancy rooms. The new, spacious physiotherapy area on the hospital’s third floor is also now in use.

Renovations included a new conference room and some administrative offices.

As part of the initial project phase, the cancer care/chemotherapy unit relocated to the hospital’s main floor in January 2024.

Blue Monday

Heard of “Blue Monday,” but not sure what it is or what it means. Blue Monday is a term applied to the third Monday of January (January 20 this year!) and has been labelled “the most depressing day of the year.” A UK travel company conceived the idea in the early 2000s. A psychologist was commissioned to generate a formula to promote this day as the most depressing time of the year. The travel company’s goal was to sell more vacation packages to warm and sunny winter destinations. The formula looked at factors such as shortened daylight hours, bills coming due from holiday spending, cold and gloomy winter weather, and the point on the calendar where most people tend to give up on their New Year’s resolutions. Though there’s little scientific evidence to claim that it is the most depressing day of the year, in the years following, many mental health organizations capitalized on the idea to promote awareness about seasonal depression and the need for support and other self-help strategies to beat the winter blues.

Manitoba’s winters are long, dark, and cold. People must take care of their mental health this time of year. Research suggests that up to 35 percent of the general population experience the “winter blues,” which can include changes in appetite and increased lethargy as the daylight hours grow shorter. The winter blues differs from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, which affects about three to five percent of the population and is a serious form of depression. Symptoms of SAD include feeling significantly depressed most days, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, weight gain, loss of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed, and disrupted sleep patterns.

People experiencing the winter blues or SAD can benefit from several strategies and practices to help mitigate the effects of seasonal depression. These include:

Maximizing exposure to sunlight. Spend more time outdoors during the day and arrange indoor environments to receive maximum sunlight. The use of light therapy lamps has proven benefits as well.
Exercise. Exercise relieves stress, builds energy, and increases mental and physical well-being. Make a habit of taking a daily noon-hour walk. Physical activity and increased exposure to natural light can raise spirits.
Social support & Connection. When feeling down, it’s natural to want to withdraw and isolate, but strong social networks and frequent connection with others will reduce isolation, a key risk factor for depression.
Stress reduction. Make changes in your life to help manage and reduce stress. Too much stress exacerbates depression and puts you at risk for future depression. Take the aspects of your life that stress you out, such as work overload or unsupportive relationships, and find ways to minimize their impact.
Take Vitamin D – Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to depression and seasonal affective disorder in adults. There is sufficient research to show that not having enough of the vitamin can lead to depression-like symptoms. Eating food rich in Vitamin D or, taking a Vitamin D supplement and getting adequate sun exposure can help reduce the risk of developing depressive symptoms.

While it may not be scientifically accurate to designate the third Monday in January, or any day of the year for that matter, as the most depressing day of the year, it does offer the opportunity to engage in healthy conversations about mental wellness, especially at this time of year. Talking openly about seasonal depression and the support that is available for those who struggle helps reduce the stigma around mental illness and opens pathways for support and recovery. This year, a number of special events have been planned in the region to highlight the effects of seasonal depression and the support available. Check out the list below to see what’s happening on January 20 in your area:

Swan River: The Canadian Mental Health Association will have a display set up from 9:00 am-4:00 pm (January 20) at the community booth in the Swan Valley Co-op food store. Drop by to pick up information on mental health and chat with a CMHA representative.

Roblin: HERO Club West will be going to the Roblin Residence and playing Blue Bingo with Blue Prizes, Blueberry muffins with Blueberry Tea and Coffee.

Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School Cosmetology Class spreading Christmas Cheer

Participants of the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School (DRCSS) cosmetology class in Dauphin volunteered at the Dauphin Personal Care Home (PCH) on Dec. 6 to provide some residents with haircuts and styling prior to Christmas. The PCH Activities Department indicated residents were very grateful for the opportunity and the students really enjoyed meeting residents and further strengthening their skills. The residents of the Dauphin PCH would like to thank the students from the DRCSS Hairstyling class for their generous nature. There were plenty of different styles completed for the ladies at ‘Beauty Parlour Day’. The residents were very grateful to have such talented students. It brought much joy and happiness to all of them!

Rivers Pen Pal Program Creates Friendships Between Generations

The Rivers Personal Care Home and Rivers Elementary Grade 6 class have found a heartwarming way to bridge generational gaps and foster meaningful connections through an intergenerational pen pal program. Led by Prairie Mountain Health volunteer Tamara Robak and the recreation staff at the Personal Care Home, the program is bringing together two very different generations and forming friendships.

*Rivers Grade 6 class shown with volunteer Tamara Robak, Recreation staff Margaret Higginson, Resident Louise and teacher Mrs. Rankin.*

Writing letters has become a rare and cherished activity in an age dominated by digital communication. For the residents, putting pen to paper brings back memories of how they once communicated, offering them a sense of friendship and comfort. Receiving handwritten letters is a delightful surprise for the residents, bringing joy and a sense of connection with their new young friends.

This program offers students more than just an opportunity to practice letter writing. It allows them to develop friendships with the older generation and learn the art of traditional communication. The program goes beyond a simple writing exercise, creating a space for meaningful social interaction, artistic exchange, and cross-generational learning.

In October 2024, the students were paired with a resident and wrote their first letters. With the support of volunteer organizer Tamara, the residents wrote back to their new young friends. In December, Mrs. Rankin’s Grade 6 class delivered Christmas cards to their pen pals and met them in person for the first time. The students not only got to meet their pen pals but shared in the Christmas spirit by singing songs and reciting poems.

This pen pal program has proven to be an excellent way to connect different generations, bring joy, and build friendships. We look forward to continuing this meaningful exchange throughout the school year and growing these intergenerational friendships.

Cucumbers

Looking to add a fresh taste to your meal? Add cucumbers! Cucumbers are full of moisture and provide a refreshing crunch to your meal.

Cucumbers belong to the gourd family along with squash, pumpkins, zucchinis, and melons. They all grow on vines along the ground. Cucumbers are classified into two main types: slicing and pickling varieties. The most common slicing cucumber is the long English cucumber, which is wrapped in plastic to help retain moisture. There are also mini English cucumbers as well that are often sold in packs of six or more, and these mini cucumbers are seedless. Pickling cucumbers are smaller with thick bumpy skin, and are perfect for pickling.

In Canada, most commercial cucumbers are grown in Ontario and Quebec, and many people grow cucumbers in their personal gardens as well all across Canada. Commercial cucumbers are grown in the field June to early September, and in greenhouses year-round. Commercial cucumbers are started in propagation greenhouses that start the plants from seeds, and once they’ve reached a certain size they are moved to a production greenhouse. Outside, cucumbers grow along the ground on vines, however in greenhouses cucumber plants are trained to grow vertically for easier access to the cucumbers. Slicing cucumbers are picked by hand, washed, and wrapped in plastic before being shipped to the grocery store. Pickling cucumbers have thicker skins and are harvested earlier, when the pickles are still small, and a machine is used to harvest them.

When buying cucumbers from the store look for firm, dark green cucumbers. Avoid cucumbers with wrinkles, a yellowish colour, puffy or soft spots. Store cucumbers in the fridge at home and leave the plastic wrapping on until you’re ready to eat it, and wash before eating. Cucumbers do not freeze well at all, they are best eaten fresh.

Both the skin and flesh of the cucumbers have nutrients, so both can be eaten, however if eating the pickling variety raw, some people prefer to peel them. Raw cucumbers are about 95% water, contain a small amount of carbohydrates, and contains Vitamin K as well.

Pickles are made by fermenting mini cucumbers in a brine, vinegar, or other solution. Pickled cucumbers are flavoured differently in different regions of the world. Many different vegetables and fruits are pickled as well such as carrots, beets, asparagus, and many more! Some flavours of pickles include:

Brined pickles are fermented in a brine, but no vinegar and do not keep as long as pickles made with vinegar. Brined pickles usually must be kept in the fridge.
Bread and butter pickles are marinated in a solution of vinegar, sugar, and spices, and can be stored in the fridge or canned and stored in a cool, dark spot.
Gherkins or Cornichons are tart pickles made with vinegar and tarragon. Sweet gherkins contain sugar in the pickling brine for sweeter pickles.
Kosher Dill pickles are not necessarily kosher in the way that is has been prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary law, but instead the pickles have been made in the traditional way of Jewish New York city pickle makers. Kosher Dill pickles are made with a generous amount of garlic and dill in a natural salt brine.

Pickles have similar nutrients as cucumbers, however some pickles may have a high salt or sugar content depending on how they are prepared. Pickles are fermented foods, so they also may provide some beneficial bacteria to your gut health.

Check out these delicious ways to enjoy cucumbers:

Crisp Cucumber Salsa Recipe: How to Make It

Greek Salad Recipe: How to Make It

Easy Refrigerator Pickles (10 min & 4 Ingredients) – Pinch and Swirl

References:

What’s in Season? Cucumbers – Canadian Food Focus

How Fermented foods & Probiotics Help Gut Health

Pickled cucumber

Roblin Health Care Auxiliary recognized for 75 years of providing support

Members of Roblin Health Care Auxiliary with cake.

The Roblin and District Health Care Auxiliary celebrated a milestone in October 2024. Members gathered to recognize 75 years of providing support and enhancing services at Roblin’s hospital and personal care home. From the early years of purchasing bed linens and blankets to collecting vegetables and home canned goods for the kitchen, to now raising funds for equipment purchases and furnishings, Auxiliary members have a notable history of giving back to the community. Pictured with their anniversary cake at their annual fall fundraising luncheon, current members of the Auxiliary celebrate accomplishments both past and present. Prairie Mountain Health congratulates and sincerely appreciates the Roblin and District Health Care Auxiliary for all of their hard work, dedication and commitment over the years! (With picture and files courtesy of Roblin Review).

Holiday Greetings from PMH CEO

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Every year, the holiday season seems to sneak up on us, and sometimes for different reasons. Last year, we had mild weather over the holidays and little snow, so that caught us off guard. It’s a different scenario altogether this year. There’s no worry about not having a white Christmas; in fact, some areas may have experienced more snow than they did most of last year. This is great for outdoor winter activities. Snowshoes anyone?

I would like to take a moment to reflect on the extra things our staff do during the winter months that may go unnoticed. Despite unfavourable winter road and weather, staff consistently go out of their way to ensure our many facilities and services continue to operate. Whether it’s clearing snow from entrances, exits, parking lots, and other places in between, cleaning waiting areas, hallways and patient rooms, or making sure we have plans in place in case nasty weather hits, there is a lot to consider over the winter season.

Many times, our staff are also there to lend extra support, a listening ear, or reassuring hand to those who are in our hospitals, personal care homes, and the community who are not able to be with their families during the holiday season. We are deeply grateful for their dedicated care and compassion!

Some timely tips to consider over the holiday season:

When considering visitation at our sites, if an ‘in-person’ visit isn’t possible, PMH encourages families to provide a personal device, such as a cell phone or iPad, to their family member for a direct connection.

Let health centre patients and personal care home residents know you are thinking of them by visiting the PMH website and filling out the “well wishes” information. By making this request, it will be delivered directly to the person on your behalf.

For those who have lost loved ones or for those facing other stressors and challenges, the holiday season is an extremely difficult time of year. PMH provides mental health services and support for those in need. We all have mental health, and we have to continue to make our well-being a priority. Remember, ‘that if you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to take time for illness.’ To learn about the available resources and supports, please visit our website.

Consider donating to a worthy cause in your community. It may include a Community Health Foundation, Hospital Foundation, Food Bank, or Hot Meal Program.

Here’s to a holiday season filled with love, happiness, fellowship and memories. Decorating the tree, exchanging gifts, celebrating traditions, watching heartwarming movies, enjoying a festive meal, volunteering —whichever ways you choose to celebrate, our wish is that you make it as enjoyable as ever! Maybe even a snowshoe race this year?

On behalf of the PMH Board of Directors, our Executive Management and Regional Leadership Team and our staff, we wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season and all the best in 2025.

Treena Slate, CEO
Prairie Mountain Health

Managing Mental Health During the Holidays

In the film Meet Me in St. Louis, Judy Garland sang the line, “Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light. From now on, our troubles will be out of sight.” Unfortunately, many people struggle with heavy hearts and numerous stressors over the holidays. The term “holiday stress” reflects increased symptoms of anxiety, impatience, fatigue, and depressed mood that many people experience over the holiday season. Several factors contribute to holiday stress, including financial concerns, tight schedules and heavy demands, loss of loved ones, isolation, and unrealistic expectations. And when stress is at its peak, it can be very hard to stop and regroup.

Stress cannot always be prevented; however, the following tips can be helpful to manage stressors during the holiday season.

grownups busy on phones and laptops at Christmas time.

Be aware of your feelings. If someone close to you has recently passed away or if you are away from loved ones, realize that it is normal to feel sadness and grief. It is also important to express your feelings. Do not try to “force yourself” to be happy just because it is the holiday season.
Have realistic expectations. Too many people expect the holidays to be “perfect.” There is no such thing as perfection; having those expectations will only add to the season’s stress. An asymmetrical tree or an over-cooked turkey will not ruin your holiday; instead, it will create a family memory. Perennial movie favourites, such as A Christmas Story or A Charlie Brown Christmas, are reminders of the endearing qualities of these imperfections.
Stay within your budget. Before you shop for gifts and food, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then, stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with a mountain of gifts. Some alternatives include giving homemade gifts and starting a family gift exchange. If your children’s wish list exceeds your budget, talk with them about reasonable expectations and remind them that the holidays are not about expensive gifts.
Manage your time and set boundaries. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you cannot participate in every project or activity. Set priorities and let go of impossible goals. Don’t spend all of your time planning activities for your family. You might end up feeling drained and unappreciated. Take the time you need to finish tasks that are important to you. Don’t try to complete everything at once; ask others to help you complete chores.
Keep healthy and take time for yourself. When people feel stressed-out and overwhelmed, they often forget about their self-care. Also, the holiday season is ripe with opportunities to overindulge. Make sure that you are eating regularly and healthily, getting a decent night’s sleep, and getting enough physical activity into your day. This can be difficult when the weather turns cold. Finally, pace yourself. Give yourself opportunities to rest and replenish. By slowing down, you will have more energy to accomplish your goals.
Do something for others. By volunteering or assisting others, we can get out of our experience for a while. Helping out at a food bank or a shelter can also give us some perspective regarding our worries and concerns.
Practice mindfulness. Often, just the act of focusing on our breath and the present moment in a non-judgmental way can help create emotional and cognitive space, which helps us stay grounded, focused, and regulated. One quick strategy is to take three long, deep, nourishing breaths—breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Then, you let your breath settle into its own rhythm as you follow it in and out, noticing the rise and fall of your chest and belly as you breathe. If you find that you have a wandering mind or negative thoughts, simply return to the breath.
Be patient with yourself. ‘Tis the season for self-judgment! Instead, engage in self-compassion during the holiday season. Can you talk to yourself gently instead of critically? Aspire to go into the holiday season with the intention of accepting your mistakes, pains, and tender places. Engage in self-nurturing practices: a bubble bath, soft music, scented candles, and a favourite tea. Is there a way you can remember to practice kind words to yourself? A reminder note on your calendar? Perhaps buy an advent calendar for yourself, and every day in December, as you open that little door, you can remind yourself to be kind!
Stay connected and seek support. When we feel sad or overburdened, we often isolate or avoid others, which can add to our burden. Ensure that you are connected with others and seek support if needed. Getting things out in the open can help you manage your feelings and find solutions for your stress. If you continue to feel overwhelmed, consider seeing a professional, such as a mental health counsellor, to help you manage your holiday stress. In Brandon and surrounding Westman area, the 24-hour crisis line number is 204- 725-4411, or you can call toll-free at 1-888-379-7699.

By Anastasia Gibson, Ph.D., C. Psych
Registered Psychologist, Prairie Mountain Health

Helping Yourself Heal During the Holiday Season

If you are grieving, the approaching holiday season can be difficult. For many people, the sights, sounds and smells associated with the holidays may bring up memories about the person who has died. The twinkling lights, cheerful music, family gatherings and societal expectation of joyous holiday spirit can bring about a renewed sense of personal grief.

There is no right or wrong way to feel during the holiday season. It is important to be tolerant and compassionate with yourself as you continue to heal. We hope that these suggestions, adapted from the work of Dr. Alan Wolfelt, will help you to cope with your grief during this joyous, yet painful, time of the year.

Woman and granddaughters looking at photos by Christmas tree.

Be Compassionate with Yourself: let your holiday grief be what it is and give yourself permission to feel what you feel.
Survive: If the death was recent, you may be in survival mode this holiday season and that is okay – the world will keep turning whether you participate in the holidays or not.
Be Tolerant of your Physical and Psychological Limits: grief can leave you feeling fatigued and low energy levels may naturally slow you down. Respect what your mind and body are telling you and build in time for resting and self-care.
Eliminate Unnecessary Stress: avoid overextending yourself and take steps to reduce the expectations placed on you during the holidays. Consider simplifying your holiday rituals instead of abandoning them altogether. Keep the traditions that matter most to you and set the others aside, at least for now.
Be with Supportive, Comforting People: identify those friends and relatives who understand that the holiday season can increase your sense of loss. Being with people who encourage you to be yourself and accept your feelings – both happy and sad.
Talk About the Person Who Died: recognize the need to remember your special person and include them in conversations and traditions. It can be help to acknowledge the person who died, perhaps by setting a place at the holiday table, hanging an ornament/stocking or cooking their favorite meal.
Do What is Right for You During the Holidays: focus on what you want to do and what feels right for you. Muster up the courage to communicate your wishes to the people in your life who support you.
Plan Ahead for Family Gatherings: Decide which family traditions you want to continue and which new ones you would like to begin. Structuring your holiday time can help you anticipate what is coming and reduce feelings of panic, anxiety and fear. However, as you make your plans leave room to change them if you feel you need to.
Embrace Your Treasured Memories: memories are part of the legacy left behind when someone dies. Keep in mind that memories are tinged with both happiness and sadness. If your memories bring laughter, smile. If your memories bring sadness, it is alright to cry. Sharing your memories with family and friends can be a comfort.
Renew Your Resources for Living: Spend time thinking about the meaning and purpose of your life and define the positive things that still surround you. This is not to discount the hurt, because the hurt is part of grieving, but it can also be helpful to identify things that make life meaningful.
Attend a Remembrance Ceremony: many communities host special remembrance ceremonies during the holidays. The act of joining together with others in grief and ritualizing mourning can be very healing during the holidays.
Believe in a Better Next Year: believe in your capacity to heal and grow through holiday grief.

Above all, love yourself and allow yourself to be surrounded by loving, caring people who understand your grief this holiday season. The Palliative Care Volunteer Service extends the invitation for grievers to participate in several events being hosted across Prairie Mountain Health. Please note, many religious organizations also host Blue Christmas Services. For more information about these events, or to add your community event to the list, please contact the Palliative Care Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator at 204-578-2310.

Prairie Mountain Health Remembrance Ceremonies:

Brandon Brockie Donovan Tree of Memories Lighting: December 5, 2024 at 7:00pm

Brandon Memories Chapel Christmas Service: December 6^,2024 at 7pm

Boissevain Longest Night Service December 21, 2024 at 7:00pm

Carberry Memory Tree of Lights Ceremony: December 13, 2024 at 5:30

Dauphin Pathways Funeral Service: December 16, 2024, at TBA

Erickson Memory Tree Lighting Ceremony: December 21, 2024 at 7pm

Killarney Tree of Lights Service: December 11, 2024 at 7:00pm

Minnedosa: Longest Night Service: Dec 21, 2024 at 7:00pm

Rivers Community Memorial Service: November 3, 2024 at 3:00pm

Russell Memory Tree Lighting: November 29, 2024 at 7:00pm

Souris Blue Christmas Ceremony: December 1^,2024 at 7:00pm

Swan Rivers Angels Among Us Service: December 4, 2024 at 7:00pm

Virden Memory Tree Lighting: November 21, 2024 at 7:00pm

If you cannot join an event in person, you may wish to join a free webinar being hosted by the Canadian Virtual Hospice titled “Grief Chats: Grief and the Holidays” (December 9^th, 2024). Visit the website to register.

Wishing you comfort this holiday season,

Palliative Care Volunteer Service

Submitted By: Carla Mitchell, MSW/RSW
Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator
PMH Palliative Care Program