Smilezones installed within Dauphin Regional Health Centre

Patients, families, visitors and staff at Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) have reason to smile. In fact, there are four reasons, following the grand opening June 14 of new Smilezones within the second-largest hospital in Prairie Mountain Health region.

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH), in collaboration with Smilezone Foundation and sponsor Dauphin Tim Hortons, officially opened four new Smilezones within the hospital’s lab and imaging waiting area, Emergency Department (two decorated rooms) and the Palliative Care family room. The bright, calming and inspiring Smilezones include murals, child-friendly sensory development materials, and new media entertainment systems meant to enhance the facility’s person-and family-centred care.

Prairie Mountain Health CEO Treena Slate says this friendly hospital facelift can help ease stressful experiences for children, parents, and families and also boost morale for staff.

“Smiling is contagious and can act as free therapy simultaneously! We are very pleased that hospital patients, visitors, and our staff are now greeted with beautiful nature-themed murals and child-friendly options in easily identifiable areas of the facility. We are exceptionally grateful to the donor families from Tim Hortons and the Smilezone Foundation who approached us with the idea and coordinated work that allowed this extra-special project to come to fruition,” Slate stated.

“Smilezone Foundation is thrilled to be a part of this renovation at Dauphin Regional Health Centre, marking our second project in Manitoba,” said Scott Bachly, Smilezone Foundation Co-Founder. “These enhancements bring joy to children and families during their hospital visits, and seeing their smiles is the greatest reward for our efforts. We thank Dauphin Tim Hortons and the Crisanti and Pardy Families for their generous support and dedication to our mission of making tough days a little brighter for kids receiving treatment.”

“The Crisanti and Pardy families are honoured and sincerely grateful to have the opportunity to work with the amazing team at Smilezone and staff at Prairie Mountain Health and we are delighted that the Smilezones have garnered many positive and uplifting comments already,” said Greg Crisanti. Along with the many local sponsors, community supporters and area residents that contributed to the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign earlier this spring, we could not be more thrilled with how everything turned out!”

Recognizing one year anniversary of Carberry Tragedy

PMH would like to acknowledge the tragic bus crash that occurred by Carberry on June 15, 2023, the ongoing healing that has occurred, and is still occurring. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the victims, their families, and the entire communities affected by this devastating event.

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, or needing to connect with supports at this time, do not hesitate to call PMH Crisis Services at 1-888-379-7699.

A Ceremonial Tribute in Remembrance will be held on June 15, 2024 at 2pm in Dauphin at:
CN Park
15-1st Avenue NW
Dauphin, MB

The Dauphin Active Living Centre invites you to join them after the ceremony for a Memorial Tea from 2:30pm to 4pm at 55- 1st Ave. SE

More information can be found on the 730ckdm community calendar.

May 2024 Donations for PMH

Pictured from left to right are Toni Schwarz, health care aide/ward clerk, Shelley Tokarchuk, registered nurse, Dr. Trina Mathison and Dauphin Hospital Foundation Board Chair Greg Thompson.

New treatment chairs for DRHC Cancer Care Unit

The recently renovated cancer care unit on the main floor of the Dauphin Regional Health Centre received some needed equipment thanks to the Dauphin Hospital Foundation. Two heated Inverness recliner chairs, at a total cost of nearly $16-thousand, were purchased for the Unit. Patients have indicated the chairs are very comfortable and that having a side table on the chair allows them to hold items in place while they receive treatment.

Prairie Mountain Health and the Dauphin Regional Health Centre thank the Foundation for their generosity.

Russell Tim Hortons donates to Expanding Community Cancer Care

The people of Russell Tim Hortons are fantastic at showing everyone what good hearted Canadians are all about. Every year since 2017, their Russell staff and a number of volunteers and Expanding Community Cancer Care (ECCC) committee members have worked together to produce and distribute thousands of Smile Cookies in aid of the cancer care building expansion project.

This years group of (l-r): Ryan Ambion – TH Supervisor, Eric Dizon, Rheallyne Dizon – TH Supervisor, Jun Mae Ogawa – TH Manager, Andrea Glasman representing the ECCC committee, Alison Stanchuk who has graciously volunteered as the Cookie Crew organizer for the last three years getting the volunteers set up and going at 6 a.m. and putting those smiles on thousands of cookies, Johann Ligot, Mark Penafiel – TH Supervisor and Leanne Bily, HR Director all gathered to present the Smile Cookie cheque for $18,990.00. Over the years, the Smile Cookie campaign has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the ECCC project. Thank you to all who decorated, sold, delivered or bought cookies!

-with files and picture courtesy of the Russell Banner

Dauphin HERO Club celebrates three decades of program support

PMH CEO Treena Slate congratulates the Dauphin HERO Club for 30 inspiring years while community representative and former mental health worker Jim Price, looks on.

The Dauphin HERO Club held its 30^th year recognition event on May 8. The HERO Club, which started back in 1994 when the Brandon Mental Health Centre downsized and eventually closed, provides a welcoming , supportive and safe space for people recovering from mental health challenges through the PMH Mental Health program.

Hero Club members and staff develop strategies to support recovery by providing opportunities for recreation, education, employment, and friendship.

“Thirty years for the “Helping Everyone Reach Out Club” in Dauphin is quite an accomplishment!” stated PMH CEO Treena Slate. “We know that there are many success stories and a few challenges which have occurred over the last three decades. We know the Club helps members live fruitful and enriched lives with the support of people who understand the struggle. Congratulations on 30 inspiring years and continued success with the program well into the future!”

Prairie Mountain Health provides coordination and other program assistance to the HERO Club through its mental health program. Dauphin was the first of four HERO Club sites established within the health region. Roblin, Russell and Swan River are the other sites within the region.

HERO Club members and supporters gather to celebrate their recognition event May 8.

The Hero Club model has become a ‘community within a community’, allowing members and the community to provide information to the general public on mental illness, and set the tone that recovery is possible. Its motto is “A place to go, a place to be, a place to grow, a guarantee!”

The Dauphin HERO Club will always be known for its high-profile and very successful hot dog cart, among many other initiatives. The Hot Dog Cart returns to action twice a week this year. On Fridays, the Cart will be at the Obsolete Brewing Company location from 10:30-1:30. On Tuesdays, the Cart will be in front of the Dauphin Neighborhood Renewal Office (formerly Under One Roof) from 10:30 to 1:30.

Asparagus is on the Menu

If you’re lucky, you’ve got asparagus perennially popping up in your yard. Asparagus is a perennial plant, meaning it will come back year after year without needing to replant it! It is also one of the first vegetables to start growing in the spring. The most common variety is green asparagus, however there are also purple and white varieties, with each variety having a slightly different flavour. Asparagus is rich in nutrients such as antioxidants, folate, fiber, and vitamins A, B6, C, and K.

Asparagus is available at the grocery store as fresh, frozen, or canned. When buying fresh asparagus, look for odorless asparagus stalks with dry, tight tips while avoiding limp or wilted stalks. Refrigerate fresh asparagus for up to four days by wrapping the ends of the stalks in wet paper towel and storing in a plastic bag. When choosing asparagus for recipes, look for the right size of stalk for the dish. Thicker, larger stalks are good for grilling, steaming, and roasting, while smaller, thinner stalks are better for being mixed into recipes like pasta and risotto dishes.

Asparagus is incredibly versatile and pairs well with fish, beef, shrimp, chicken, and pasta. It is also very tasty added to frittatas, in appetizers, soups, salads, wraps and more!

Here are 10 ways to enjoy asparagus:

Egg-cellent Asparagus. Add steamed pieces of asparagus to an egg white and feta cheese omelet. Finish with halved cherry tomatoes.
Grilled. Place asparagus spears on a medium-high heat grill coated with olive oil spray and cook for about 5-8 minutes until tender, turning occasionally.
Cheese, Crackers & Asparagus. Spread a soft cheese (goat cheese, brie, etc.) on whole wheat crackers and top with a crisp asparagus head. Serve as an appetizer or an afternoon snack.
Hearty Soup. Purée cooked leeks, onions, russet potatoes, asparagus, low-sodium chicken broth, lemon juice, and sour cream until smooth. Garnish soup with asparagus tips.
Drizzle a Little Dressing. Dress up your traditional steamed or boiled asparagus with a mustard vinaigrette dressing.
Steamed. Place fresh or frozen asparagus in a microwave-safe container or in a sauté pan with a small amount of water, low-sodium seasonings, and garlic. Enjoy as a side dish or snack.
Stock Up. Save the woody ends of asparagus for making asparagus soup later. Simply place in a zip lock bag and freeze until ready to use.
Easy Appetizer. Serve asparagus spears with a vibrant dipping sauce for an easy appetizer. Using Greek yogurt as a base, add in lemon juice, minced garlic, roasted red bell pepper … be creative and get dipping!
Veggie Fettuccine. Toss cooked asparagus and bell pepper with cooked fettuccine. Finish with lemon juice and cheese. Recipe Fettuccine with Fresh Vegetables
Shake & Bake! Place fresh asparagus in a plastic zip lock bag, drizzle with olive oil, and add salt, pepper and other seasonings. Shake until asparagus is coated, then bake in oven at 400°F until crisp!

7th Street Health Access Centre Celebrates 20 Years

June 17, 2004 – 20 years ago, 7^th Street Health Access Centre officially opened its doors, offering medical care and social service support to anyone in the downtown area of Brandon, with a specific focus on anyone living with persistent and severe mental health issues, newcomers to Canada, and under-served seniors.

7th Street Health Access Centre Building

Services available within the Centre at that time included medical care from a family doctor or advanced practice nurse; child and family services staff; public health staff offering travel health; healthy baby and STI/HIV/Hep C services; addictions counsellors; mental health counsellor; and service navigation to connect to services and programs in the building or the community or elsewhere in the health care services. Reception staff were also core services helping people access the free amenity services such as public use of telephone and computers, shower and laundry services, photocopying or faxing, or scheduling appointments. Community Volunteer Income tax provided free tax filing for those on limited income. On weekends, it had a core staff of a service navigator, reception and a housing resource worker, which was a slim staff for a large building.

Although many of these services existed elsewhere in the community of Brandon at the time, bringing them all together in one building and making services available during evenings and weekends was seen as innovative and unique at the time. Located downtown, 7^th Street Health Access Centre aimed to offer timely services with a motto of “right provider, right time, right place,” and for those needing multiple services, the aim was to reduce the number of times the client “had to tell their story” with each staff they worked with.

Over the next 20 years, services evolved, client volume increased, hours changed, staff changed, services were added, and core services with weekend staffing remained. Fast forward to June 17, 2024, and 7^th Street Health Access Centre is bursting with staff and services. Hours of operation have changed from noon to 8 pm, to 11 am to 7 pm for many years, to 10 am -6 pm for a couple of years to today’s hours of 9 am to 5 pm, still seven days a week. Except for Child and Family Services and the public health services of Healthy Baby and Travel Health, the initial services we started with remain. Added services include: Community Nurse; Cultural Facilitators to respond to the language and cultural needs of our newcomer population; Dietitian; Homecare Wound Care staff; HIV Clinic; Hep C treatment; Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinic; Financial Facilitator; EIA partner staff; Community Social Workers; Outreach worker; harm reduction initiatives and itinerant support groups over the years. Amenity services such as laundry and shower facilities, public use of phones and computers, photocopying, and faxing have steadily increased in usage seven days a week.

7^th Street Health Access Centre aims to be responsive to the needs in the community, especially the most vulnerable or least resourced and adjusts services and staff accordingly to address the ever-growing or changing needs. Staff also partner with many other agencies and services within Brandon and around the province to meet the needs of those we work with and offer services to. When one first learns of all that is available at 7th Street Health Access Centre, it has often been commented that 7^th Street Health Access Centre is “the hidden gem.” Although we have been around and growing and serving for 20 years, many still do not know what services and supports are available at 7^th Street Health Access Centre, and many do not realize we are a part of Prairie Mountain Health.

Welcome to our “20 years of service” celebration on June 17, 2024. Come and see for yourself what our Centre has to offer.

For more information or to find out how to connect with a service provider, please call 204 578-4800.

May 7^th is International Harm Reduction Day!

Harm Reduction can be defined as “policies, programs and practices that seek to reduce the adverse health, social and economic consequences of the use of legal and illegal psychoactive substances. Harm reduction is pragmatic and focuses on keeping people safe and minimizing death, disease and injury associated with higher risk behavior while recognizing that the behavior may continue despite the risks.” Government of Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living“

Some everyday examples of harm reduction are needle exchange programs, wearing sunscreen, access to barrier-free, safer substance use supplies (smoking and injection supplies), safer sex supplies, wearing a seat belt, wearing a helmet while riding a bike and carrying naloxone.

This year, for National Harm Reduction Day 2024, we are highlighting our Brandon PMH peer, Kris Lelond. Kris has been a peer volunteer with PMH for several months and the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network (MHRN), Brandon chapter for 3.5 years. In both roles, Kris advocates and educates for and about harm reduction programming and services in Brandon. He participates in the 24-hour harm reduction lock box program at 7^th Street Health Access Centre. He also partners with 7^th Street outreach workers to offer harm reduction outreach services and assist with peer-informed programming. In addition to his work at 7^th Street, he supports our Regional Harm Reduction Coordinator by co-facilitating harm reduction workshops and assisting with community outreach events. Kris’s expertise has influenced our programs for the betterment of our community and the populations we serve by pushing and advocating for systemic change.

Our chat with Kris

Can you please tell me about yourself?

I am a well-rounded and educated person. I have had the fortunate opportunity to experience a very diverse life, going from having lots of money to being absolutely broke and on the streets. I have had diverse jobs and have worked in everything from construction to culinary, oil rigs, ski hill, carpentry, farm hand, harm reduction within the health field, to opening businesses in the city. My father passed away from suicide when I was four years old. I had to learn how to be a dad without a dad and not have that consistent role model in my life. But I think how much my dad loved me in the time I spent with him has helped shape my morals and values regarding how to be a dad and husband. My ultimate goal in life is to clear up my debt and build my credit so that I can eventually own my own home again. Also, to get set up in the career that I love and, get married one last time to the right person and have a few more kids.

What does harm reduction mean to you?

Harm reduction means anything you do that ultimately improves your opportunity to have a safe and healthy life regardless of drug use or not.

Why did you get into this line of work?

Because I have lived this life for over half of my life, and I have always wanted the opportunity to give back. What I learned through my living situation is that I can make society better and make a difference.

What are some of the successes you have seen in the work you do for PMH or MHRN?

In my past careers, I have worked in some of the best kitchens and restaurants; in fact, a few of them hold record awards for perfection in the products being put out. Any project that I have been part of, I think has been somewhat successful. I have seen people start to practice my teachings of safer utilization of substance use equipment. I have heard feedback that the trial projects I have been a part of have also been successful, such as the lockbox project at 7^th Street. The harm reduction projects I have helped with have become a staple and a resource in our community.

What are some of the challenges you face when doing this work?

The limitations of the work we are able to do: we could be doing more to be more progressive. There should be full-time harm reduction jobs for us to do this kind of work to sustain ourselves and contribute to our economy.

If there is one message you would like to get out to the people reading this article, what would it be?

It only takes one person and person alone to incorporate change that can impact the world. Change definitely impacts the people around us. It can extend to other places and possibly throughout the world.

In recognition of National Harm Reduction Day, the following events will be taking place:

Brandon, May 7th, 1 pm – 2 pm, Princess Park with food and supply distribution
Dauphin, May 7th from 1-3, Parkview Lodge – testing/wellness event including Soup and Bannock
Swan River, May 15^th, WSFN Community Hall – Syphilis & Congenital Syphilis Education, STBBI Testing, Naloxone Training.

Visit our harm reduction webpage for more information on services available within our region.

Palliative Care Is For You!

The first full week of May marks National Hospice Palliative Care Week in Canada (May 5-11, 2024). The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) is the national leader in pursuing quality hospice palliative care in Canada through supporting public policy initiatives, education, knowledge translation awareness and collaboration. The Prairie Mountain Health Palliative Care Team is joining the annual awareness campaign to celebrate this year’s theme, “Palliative Care Is For You!”

We all deserve to know how palliative care can help when a life-limiting illness touches our lives. Like a lighthouse in a storm, the Prairie Mountain Health Palliative Care Program guides clients and their families through the uncertainties of a life-limiting illness with warmth, support and stability. The Palliative Care Program coordinates the resources needed to support physical care, emotional needs, pain and symptom management, spiritual care, cultural needs, end-of-life planning and bereavement. A palliative care approach illuminates the path forward to help clients live their lives fully through every stage of a life-limiting illness, including death.

Every client and family deserves the best quality of care and support we can offer. The Palliative Care team works closely with many members of the interdisciplinary team, including the client, their family, healthcare facility staff, home care, pharmacists, physicians, other allied health professionals, community organizations and specially trained palliative care volunteers. By working together, Palliative Care helps to approach the end of life with dignity, comfort, care and support. To learn more about the program, visit https://prairiemountainhealth.ca/programs-and-services/palliative-care/

At some point, in some way, end of life touches us all. Palliative Care helps make the transition through the stages of a life-limiting illness both manageable and meaningful for the person facing death and their family members and friends. Join us this National Hospice Palliative Care Week to raise awareness and foster communities that value the incredible support palliative care can offer.

Picture of Palliative Care Nurse Melissa Peters

Melissa Peters, Palliative Care Coordinator
204-578-2340
[email protected]

Brandon Coverage

Picture of Palliative Care Nurse Charla Murray

Charla Murray, Clinical Resource Nurse
204-764-4237
[email protected]

West Coverage
Birtle, Boissevain, Deloraine, Elkhorn, Hamiota, Hartney, Melita, Reston, Rossburn, Russell, Shoal Lake, Souris, Virden

Picture of Palliative Care Nurse Amanda Matheson

Amanda Matheson, Clinical Resource Nurse
204-578-2338
[email protected]

East Coverage
Baldur, Carberry, Cartwright, Erickson, Glenboro Killarney, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Rivers, Sandy Lake, Treherne, Wawanesa

Picture of Palliative Care Nurse Jenna Zurba

Jenna Zurba, Clinical Resource Nurse
204-629-3006
[email protected]

North Coverage
Alonsa, Benito, Camperville, Crane River, Dauphin, Duck Bay, Gilbert Plains, Grandview, Mafeking, McCreary, Roblin, Ste. Rose Du Lac, Swan River, Winnipegosis, Waterhen

Picture of volunteer and bereavement coordinator Carla Mitchell

Carla Mitchell
204-578-2310
[email protected]

Volunteer & Bereavement Coordinator
All areas

Rhubarb

Rhubarb season is coming. If you are unfamiliar with rhubarb, it is a tart plant that is often made into jams, sauces, pies and crisps. Rhubarb is a perineal plant; it keeps growing in the same place year after year. You can buy rhubarb at the local grocery store or, many people have a rhubarb patch in their yard or garden. Ask a neighbour or a friend. Many people are willing to share. If you plant your own, be sure to give it lots of sun, water and compost and it will be ready to harvest in about 2-3 years. Rhubarb comes in many colours including red, speckled pink and green.

The best time to harvest or pick rhubarb is late May to Early June when it is the most tender and flavourful. To harvest, cut or twist it off the stalks at the soil line. Choose young stalks for best taste. Only the stalks are edible. Do not eat the leaves, they are toxic.

Once picked, refrigerate rhubarb in a reusable produce bag for up to 3 weeks. To freeze, cut stalks into pieces and spread on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then put into airtight containers labeled with the date and amount.

As mentioned above, rhubarb is quite tart; to sweeten, try mixing with berries such a strawberries, blueberries or blackberries. Make a rhubarb sauce with orange or apple juice. It is great with spices like cinnamon or ginger.

Rhubarb is more than jam and pie. Make a rhubarb smoothie – use cooked rhubarb and blend with apple sauce, berries and/or a banana.

Try these rhubarb muffins Rhubarb Muffins | Food Hero | Recipe, and this versatile rhubarb sauce Rhubarb Sauce, Smoothies and Shakes – Unlock Food. Looking to freshen up your water or drink? Experiment with this rhubarb juice How to Make Rhubarb Juice – Unsweetened Concentrate (gettystewart.com).

For more great rhubarb recipes and tips check out www.gettystewart.com

References – www.foodhero.org, www.unlockfood.ca, Rhubarb, Rheum rhabarbarum – Wisconsin Horticulture, www.gettystewart.com

Spinning Babies

Maternity Unit nurses from Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) and elsewhere in the province benefitted from a recent ‘Spinning Babies’ workshop that was held in Dauphin on April 16 and 17.

Spinning Babies techniques have been shown to reduce the incidence of unnecessary medical interventions, including assisted vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections when used in the right circumstances. In turn, the length of hospital stays is often also reduced.

“Spinning Babies” is a physiological approach to preparing for and caring for birth. The specialized training prepares care providers to help patients navigate birth by teaching them labor activities that have been shown to ease birth by optimizing fetal positioning. The learned activities are designed to help the staff assist the mother in birthing, promoting the best position for the baby to fit through the pelvis, and offering solutions when labor is long, not progressing, painful or stalling.

The DRHC staff that participated in the workshop (18 staff and two physicians) received funding to attend from the Delha Cort Educational Fund, which the Dauphin Hospital Foundation administers. More information on the Delha Cort Education fund can be found on the Dauphin Hospital Foundation website, under the about us section, at Delha Cort Fund (dghf.ca)

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