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Dauphin HERO Club New Location

Dauphin HERO Club New Location

Dauphin’s Helping Everyone Reach Out (HERO) Club is excited to announce it has moved to a new location. The HERO Club’s new home is now located at 130-10th Avenue SW.

The HERO Club, which started back in 1994 when the Brandon Mental Health Centre was 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.

The Dauphin HERO Club is known for its high-profile and very successful hot dog cart, among many other initiatives. Dauphin was the first of four HERO Club sites established within the health region and celebrated its 30-year milestone in the summer of 2024. Roblin, Russell and Swan River are the other HERO Club sites within the region.

The Club’s contact number remains 204-638-7104.  Club members and PMH look forward to welcoming staff, new members and partnering businesses to the new space once everything is settled in the near future.

PMH tours physician around Rossburn and Shoal Lake

PMH tours physician around Rossburn and Shoal Lake

A community supper was held following the Rossburn site visit on January 31. Pictured (l-r) are Tamara Kemp-Boulet, PMH Physician Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, Dr. Hernandez, and Emily Sawchuk, Chief Administrative Officer Rossburn Municipality.
A community supper was held following the Rossburn site visit on January 31. Pictured (l-r) are Tamara Kemp-Boulet, PMH Physician Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, Dr. Hernandez, and Emily Sawchuk, Chief Administrative Officer Rossburn Municipality.

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is continuing site visits for the physicians it has sponsored in 2025-2026 through the provincial Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates (MLPIMG). The MLPIMG Program assists foreign-trained doctors in obtaining their medical license to be able to practice as a family physician in Manitoba. PMH has sponsored seven physicians this year and has begun individually introducing each of the candidates to the communities they will be practicing in following their successful graduation from the program.

On Jan.31 and Feb. 1, the region helped introduce Dr. Ana Hernandez to the communities of Rossburn and Shoal Lake. Dr. Hernandez will be practicing in those two communities sometime in September 2026.

Tamara Kemp-Boulet, Physician Recruitment and Retention Coordinator for the health region says the physicians were designated to be placed at various sites within PMH communities that require additional physician resources. She says the site visits are a great way of introducing physicians and their families to the area and communities they will be involved in.

“We are very happy to participate in these site and community visits, which can include checking out daycares, schools, recreation activities, touring health-care facilities and meeting with council members and real estate agents, and other key community individuals and representatives,” Kemp-Boulet said.

The seven internationally trained doctors have signed return-of-service agreements requiring them to work in rural communities within the health region Kemp-Boulet added. Communities allocated for this graduating class include Rossburn and Shoal Lake, Killarney, Minnedosa, Ste. Rose and Russell, all starting in the fall. Site visits have already been held with the physicians in Killarney and Minnedosa with more planned over the coming weeks and months.

A full slate of participants were on hand in Shoal Lake Feb. 1 for a luncheon, catered by the local Filipino community, as part of the site visit with Dr. Ana Hernandez (front middle). Dr. Hernandez’s daughter Angela is front left and Lisa Hogg, Shoal Lake Deputy Mayor, is at front right. Dr. Hernandez’s husband Robert (standing at the end of the back row on the far left) is beside Shoal Lake Mayor Merv Starzyk.
A full slate of participants were on hand in Shoal Lake Feb. 1 for a luncheon, catered by the local Filipino community, as part of the site visit with Dr. Ana Hernandez (front middle). Dr. Hernandez’s daughter Angela is front left and Lisa Hogg, Shoal Lake Deputy Mayor, is at front right.  Dr. Hernandez’s husband Robert (standing at the end of the back row on the far left) is beside Shoal Lake Mayor Merv Starzyk.

February is Heart Month

February is Heart Month

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

graphic of three people coloured red and one coloured grey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 2026 | Donations for PMH

January 2026 | Donations for PMH

Russell Health Centre Accepts Donation

Three individuals holding a cheque in front of a donation wall.

The Paterson Grain Terminal in Binscarth has once again came forward with a generous donation to benefit the patients and clients that access the Russell Health Centre.  The $10,000 donation is from the Paterson Family Foundation and this year’s contribution will be used to purchase furniture for the Russell Health Centre spiritual care room. The room provides families with a private and comfortable gathering place.

Amazingly, the Paterson Family Foundation has donated $10,000 annually for six consecutive years. Pictured making the donation are co-General Managers of the Paterson Grain Terminal Darryl Fuz and Dave Maglahus, with Russell Health Centre Charge RN Stacy Falkevitch accepting.

Picture and files courtesy of Russell Banner

Sex Plus Week | February 8-14, 2026

Sex Plus Week | February 8-14, 2026

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

Blue and yellow graphic with eggplant and orange

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brandon:

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

Dauphin:

PMH hosts weekend workshop for medical students

PMH hosts weekend workshop for medical students

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) was pleased to host 75 first and second-year medical students from the University of Manitoba in Brandon and Minnedosa on Jan. 23 and 24. The weekend workshop was part of the medical student Rural Interest Group (RIG), held in partnership with Health Careers Manitoba and Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Sciences. The RIG weekend promotes the benefits of practicing medicine in rural communities and available lifestyle opportunities to medical students early in their training.

PMH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adrian Fung says the workshop provides the health region with additional opportunities to engage medical students early in their training. Groups also got some work in through clinical workstations prepared at each site.

Medical students practice skills during Rural Interest Group weekend workshop
Medical students practice skills during Rural Interest Group weekend workshop

“We continue to have success with this proactive and student-led initiative,” Dr. Fung stated. Although the region participates in and explores many avenues of health-care provider recruitment, this event, and the Rural Week event in May are two that generate a lot of interest and excitement every year!”

Student RIG Co-Presidents Zeta Ward, Kaesy Enns and Kiana Tait say participants always look forward to the event.

“On behalf of the Rural Interest Group and the University of Manitoba Medical Classes of 2028 and 2029, we extend our heartfelt thanks to PMH for warmly welcoming our group again this year. These events are invaluable for our education, offering students a first-hand understanding of rural medicine, opportunities to network with doctors and residents, and insights into working within the health region.”

Health Careers Manitoba and PMH sincerely appreciated the support of regional physicians, staff and community volunteers who helped make the RIG weekend a success. PMH also greatly appreciated the sponsor support, which this year included the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation and Minnedosa CDC/Tourism Board.

Last year, PMH hosted 75 students between Brandon and Killarney. In addition, a second RIG workshop was held in early 2025 in Swan River with another 20 students participating.

Medical students practice skills during Rural Interest Group weekend workshop
Medical students practice skills during Rural Interest Group weekend workshop

Front of Package Nutrition Labels

Front of Package Nutrition Labels

looking at labels while grocery shopping

You may have noticed that some packaged food has a new symbol on the front showing a magnifying glass. This symbol helps consumers identify foods and drinks that are high in saturated fat, sugars, and/or sodium.  Regularly eating foods high in these can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. These symbols can be used to quickly compare similar food products to help you make an informed choice.

Some information about these symbols include that they are always black and white and have “Health Canada” at the bottom to indicate that the government requires it.

Most packaged foods require the symbol but there are some that do not. Here are some reasons:

  • The food is not high in saturated fat, sugars, or sodium
  • That food has a health protection benefit, including foods such as vegetables and fruit
  • Nutrition information is not required on that food such as whole cuts of raw meat with no other added ingredients.
  • Symbol could appear redundant such as on packages of sugar or salt (includes seasoning salt, celery salt etc.)

Learn more about the front-of-package symbol.

Dauphin organizations recognize Men’s Health Awareness

Dauphin organizations recognize Men’s Health Awareness

Four individuals holding a large cheque standing in front of a colourful background.
Pictured from left to right are Darian Bercier, Business/Consumers Operations Manager of the Dauphin Co-Op, Greg Thompson, Chairperson, Dauphin Hospital Foundation, Jordan Steiner, Deputy Chief of the Dauphin Fire Department and Co-op Grocery Department representative Matt Pugh.

Dauphin organizations and a local business combined efforts to raise funds and awareness for Men’s Health as part of Men’s Health Awareness Month in November 2025.

The Dauphin Fire Department and Dauphin Co-op Food Store partnered to raise funds to establish a Men’s Health Fund within the Dauphin Hospital Foundation. Thanks to some matching employee funding from the Co-op, the total presented to the Dauphin Hospital Foundation was $1,115.

The fundraising initiative was spearheaded by Co-op Grocery Manager Mark Gorchynski, who recognized that men sometimes do not seek medical attention as promptly as they should.

-With picture and files from Dauphin Herald.

Brandon Crisis Response Unit partners police with mental health crisis supports

Brandon Crisis Response Unit partners police with mental health crisis supports

Prairie Mountain Health and the Brandon Police Service continue to promote the benefits of a program that provides mental health services on the scene of police crisis calls.

Launched last fall, the Prairie Mountain Health-Brandon Police Service Collaborative Crisis Response Unit is a joint initiative between the Brandon Police Service (BPS) and Prairie Mountain Health (PMH). The unit pairs a BPS officer with a mental health clinician from Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) to respond to calls where people are experiencing a mental health crisis. The goal is to de-escalate situations and provide clinical intervention, with coverage offered seven days a week.

Cst. Joss, member of the Crisis Response Unit with Brandon Police Services
Cst. Joss, member of the Brandon Police Service, Crisis Response Unit

Manitoba Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe were on hand in Brandon Jan.19 to announce $290,000 in ongoing funding to support a team including two full-time police officers and three full-time mental health clinicians, along with peer support workers from Peer Connections Manitoba.

BPS and PMH have developed policies, safety protocols and a triaging system that includes pathways to engage community agencies. Two BPS constables are dedicated to the unit, which is also staffed by mental health professionals and peer support workers to ensure a comprehensive response to mental health calls.

The announcement comes as local officials highlight the importance of compassionate crisis intervention for families and residents.

“The crisis response unit represents a critical step forward in how we respond to mental health crises, bringing police, health professionals and community partners together to deliver timely, trauma-informed care with dignity and compassion,” said Tyler Bates, chief, BPS. “This unit is already reducing unnecessary hospital transfers, supporting front-line officers and ensuring people in crisis are connected to the right help, strengthening community safety and well-being.”

“The new PMH-BPS Collaborative Crisis Response Unit is a significant step forward in how Brandon supports individuals experiencing mental health or addiction crises,” said Chris Bromley, director of health services, mental health and addiction, PMH. “This unit builds on PMH’s existing crisis resources. PMH continues to operate its 24-hour Mobile Crisis Unit, and the Brandon area benefits from a strong Community Mobilization Westman program. Together, these teams create a more coordinated and comprehensive response system for people in crisis in our community.”

The project supports the mandate of the Department of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness to hire 100 mental health workers to work alongside law enforcement and community organizations, Smith noted.

Blue Monday

Blue Monday

You may have heard of Blue Monday, often described as “the saddest day of the year.” While this idea is sometimes used as a marketing message, it does highlight something important, the Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

During the winter months, many people notice changes in their mood and energy. Symptoms of SAD can include:

  • Lower energy
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions
  • Feeling very sad or tearful
  • Wanting to withdraw from others

To help bring awareness to the Winter Blues, here are a few simple workplace activities to create connection and open the door for conversation about how we are really doing.

Blue Monday Activities

Blueberry Muffins
  1. Blueberry Muffins – Serve blueberry muffins during coffee or lunch breaks using the printable tags created by the SPARK Committee.
  2. Glimmer Station – Set up a table with blue sticky notes or paper and invite staff to write down a “glimmer” — something good, kind, or positive they noticed during their day.
  3. Affirmation Cards – Print and cut small affirmation cards for staff to take with them.
  4. Wear Blue Day – Invite everyone to wear blue — socks, scarves, shirts, scrubs, or accessories.
  5. Gratitude Graffiti Wall – Create a gratitude wall using a large roll of paper and markers where staff can leave messages of appreciation for one another.
  6. A Warm Hug in a Mug – Set up a hot beverage station with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate so staff can enjoy a warm drink and share one with a co-worker.

Taking time to check in with one another, enjoy a snack or warm drink, and notice the good in our day can help support our mental wellness and reduce the effects of the Winter Blues.

If you feel you would like to connect with someone for additional support through Prairie Mountain Health you can call:

OVER THE AGE OF 18
NORTH of Riding Mountain National Park: 1-866-332-3030
SOUTH of Riding Mountain National Park: 1-888-379-7699

UNDER THE AGE OF 18
NORTH of Riding Mountain National Park: 1-866-332-3030
ALL AREAS: 1-866-403-5459

More information and resources can be found on the Mental Health page at www.prairiemountainhealth.ca.

Kelly Lewis
HOPE Community Coordinator