May 7^th is International Harm Reduction Day!  

Harm Reduction can be defined as “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 Long Term Care”

Some everyday examples of harm reduction include wearing sunscreen; resources on safer smoking, injecting, snorting, tobacco, alcohol consumption & vaping; wearing a seat belt; access to barrier free safer substance use supplies (smoking and injection supplies); and safer sex supplies, wearing a helmet while riding a bike and carrying naloxone. 

Working from a harm reduction approach doesn’t just mean access to safer drug use supplies and Sexual Transmitted Blood Borne Infection (STBBI) testing.  Harm Reduction is more than that – it’s a way of working with people in client centered, trauma-informed, anti – oppression lens.  Testing clients and identifying those who are positive for a STBBI then helps providers empower those clients to take measures to minimize the risk of harm to others.

Below are PMH’s Principles of Harm Reduction:

Acceptance and Understanding – Accepts, that licit and illicit drug use is part of our world and chooses to work to minimize its effects rather than simply ignore or condemn them.

Humanism – recognizes that people do things for a reason; harmful health behaviors provide some benefit to the individual and those benefits must be assessed and acknowledged to understand the balance between harms and benefits.

Social Determinants – recognizes that the realities of poverty, class, racism, social isolation, past trauma, sex-based discrimination and other social inequalities affect both people’s vulnerability to and capacity to effectively dealing with drug – related harm.  Understands drug use as a complex, multi-faceted phenomenon that encompasses a continuum of behaviors from severe use to total abstinence, and acknowledges that some ways of using drugs are safer than others. 

Peer informed – ensures that people who use drugs and those with a history of drug use routinely have a real voice in the creation of programs and policies designed to serve them.

Client Centered & Non- Judgmental – calls for the non-judgmental, non – coercive provision of services and resources to people who use drugs and the communities in which they live in order to assist them in reducing harm.

Promotes Autonomy and Dignity – Affirms that people who use drugs themselves as the primary agents of reducing the harms of their drug use an seeks to empower people who use drugs to share information and support each other in strategies which meet their actual conditions of use. 

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

• Brandon, May 7th
  • 1pm – 2pm, Princess Park – Community Spring Clean Up
  • Morning supply distribution outreach with MHRN & Healthy Sexuality and Harm Reduction
  • May 21^st Spring Testing and Resource Event – Princess Park from 12pm-3pm. 

• Dauphin, May 7th from 1-3, CN Park – Community Spring Clean Up  

• Swan River, May 7^th, STBBI Testing – Location and time to be determined

• Carberry, May 7^th Carberry United Church – outreach van will be doing STBBI testing, supply distribution from 9-11am 
  • Carberry Motor Inn – outreach van will be doing STBBI testing, naloxone training and distribution and supply distribution from 12:30-2:30. 

Unmasking Mental Health | Mental Health Week May 5-11

Living with a mental health or substance use challenge is hard enough; masking those struggles can make it even harder. Struggling with poor mental health or an addiction often forces people to hide behind a “mask” to protect themselves from judgement and discrimination. But the heavier the stigma, the heavier the mask becomes, and the more isolated we feel. We often feel like we have to hide our struggles—at work, online, even with loved ones. We’re afraid to open up and be honest with our struggles, because we don’t want to appear weak, or we fear the judgment and misunderstandings that might result. But constant masking can be draining and isolating, which in turn can often make things worse. It can also be a barrier to reaching out for support. Almost 1 in 5 Canadians who need mental health support don’t reach out because they were uncomfortable talking about their struggles.

This May 5-11, Canadians are called to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. We all experience ups and downs in our mental health, and each person’s mental health is affected by unique situations and experiences.  There is no “normal”. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it. In doing so, we can create a ripple effect of courage and understanding across the country.

This year, a number of special events have been planned in the region to highlight mental health and the ways we can work to unmask it and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health challenges. Check out the list below to see what’s happening this Mental Health Week (May 5-11) in your area:

• Dauphin:
  • A free workshop on Reducing Stigma around Mental Illness will be presented at the Parkview Lodge lounge (29 2^nd Ave. NE), in the back room, on Thursday, May 8 at 3:00 pm. Free coffee and donuts available.

• Roblin:
  • The Roblin HERO Club will be leading a community awareness walk on Wednesday, May 7, with refreshments. The walk will start from the HERO Club (146 Main St.) at 1:00 pm.
  • The Roblin HERO Club will be holding a Hamburger sale at noon at the Co-op Store on Friday, May 9.

• Swan River:
  • The Canadian Mental Health Association will have a display set up Wednesday, May 7 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.
  • A free workshop on Reducing Stigma around Mental Illness will be presented at the Swan River Library on Thursday, May 8 at 3:00 pm. Free coffee and donuts available.

Speech-Language Pathology Month – May

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) work with preschool children and adults.

In Preschool Services, services are provided in a client’s home, in a clinic or in a child care centre or preschool setting. In Adult Services, SLPs work with clients in hospitals or in long term care homes. In 2024, a role for SLP was developed in Cancer Care assisting clients in their recovery of swallowing or communication difficulties follow head, neck and throat cancers.

Jordan Hagemeister has been a SLP for 11 years and works in Cancer Care and Adult Services out of the Brandon Regional Health Centre. To become a SLP, he completed his undergraduate degree in the University of Alberta and then completed his Masters of Science Degree at Minot State University in the United States. He agreed to share about his experience of working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Prairie Mountain Health.

What drew you to working in Cancer Care?

“There is an expanding population of Manitobans that deal with complex issues associated with cancer and the side effects of treatment. There are often significant impacts on a client’s speech, voice, and swallow function. I chose this area because it is challenging work that requires adaptability, creative thinking, and compassion to help improve the quality of life for our clients.”

What is the most enjoyable part of your work?

“Building connection with the clients and helping them solve their problems, educating them, and empowering them to take control of their care and promote self-advocacy.”

Why did you choose Speech-Language Pathology as a career?

“For me working with the adult population is a blend of my passions including neurology, physiology, and psychology. It is a career that challenges the mind while providing valuable services to clients with complex and challenging needs. It is very rewarding to practice a profession where you help make a difference in people’s lives.”

SLPs working in adult services often work with clients living with swallowing difficulties (called dysphagia). SLPs in PMH have worked hard over the last 1.5 years to obtain this advanced competency in order to visualize a client’s anatomy at the back of their throat in order to accurately diagnose, treat and intervene when a client has swallowing difficulties.

If you are or know of a young person who might be considering Speech-Language Pathology as a career, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions you may have.

May is Physiotherapy Month

In Prairie Mountain Health Physiotherapists work with adults and children. They work in a variety of care settings including seeing clients in the community, in a clinic setting, in a hospital, in a personal care home or in schools or day cares.

Carla Furkalo has been a Physiotherapist for 28 years. She is based out of Grandview, Manitoba and has worked in adult services for most of her career.

Terri-Lynn Delaurier has been a physiotherapist for 13 years. She is based out of Swan River, Manitoba and currently works in pediatrics.

What are important qualities of a Physiotherapist?

• We are Life Long Learners – “Education is very important. We must strive to keep learning so we can do the best we can for our patients” says Carla.
• We Offer Client and Family Centered Practice – “I enjoy meeting children and their families and hearing their stories. I try to make it fun for the children I see. Our work looks like play” says Terri-Lynn. In pediatric services, the family unit is supported by the Physiotherapist to try to best meet the client’s needs. In adult services, services are tailored specifically to the client.
• We are Motivators – “Change can be hard. Physiotherapists need to get clients to buy into being a part of the process. One of the greatest skills a clinician can have is being a salesman. Reading your customer to know what support they need – education, motivation, information and empathy are essential” says Carla.
• We are Team Mates – “I spend a lot of time in gym classes” says Terri-Lynn. “Working with teachers to try to set up 1:1 supports for the kids I see. I recognize that things can change at any time compared to what I tried to plan for the day. We are collaborative.”

What would you tell someone considering becoming a Physiotherapist?

Carla says “I take great pride in my job and enjoy the variety and challenge of doing something new every day. To work in a rural environment, at times being the sole therapist makes you sharpen your skills and learn quickly. What you don’t know, you find out. They Physiotherapy community is a close knit one; there are always mentors to draw from. From my learning, I have greater job satisfaction. To be happy at work is key and is contagious. I hope to continue learning and giving back to all that I encounter along the way”.

Terri-Lynn says “I think its important people receive services closer to home so they don’t have to travel. Offering a community based service, makes people appreciative about the work that I do. My favourite part is connecting with the families I work with. I truly get to play and make my work interactive for clients. I definitely get a lot of steps in my day”.

If you are or know of a young person who might be considering Physiotherapy as a career, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions you may have.

Revealing the Truth: How Tobacco and Nicotine Industries Target Youth

On May 31, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) and public health advocates worldwide will mark World No Tobacco Day. This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal,” shines a spotlight on the deceptive strategies used by the tobacco and nicotine industries to attract young people and hook a new generation of users — specifically targeting teens and young adults. Their efforts focus on making harmful products look trendy, harmless, or fun.

Despite progress in reducing tobacco use globally, these industries continue to evolve their tactics. Common strategies include:

• Flavoured products and chemical additives mask the harshness of tobacco, making it easier to start and difficult to quit.
• Stylish branding and social media marketing that frame nicotine use as fashionable or rebellious.
• Deceptive product designs that mimic sweets, toys, or everyday gadgets, directly appealing to youth while minimizing the perceived risk.

These tactics don’t just encourage experimentation; they increase the likelihood of long-term addiction and serious health consequences. Being aware of the advertising tactics used by the tobacco and nicotine industry is crucial in protecting public health, especially among young people. These industries invest heavily in sophisticated marketing strategies designed to glamorize their products, downplay the risks, and appeal to the curiosity and lifestyles of teens and young adults. From sleek, tech-inspired packaging to influencers on social media and flavours that mimic candy or fruit, these approaches are carefully crafted to make harmful products seem harmless or appealing.

 By understanding and recognizing these strategies, individuals and communities can become more resilient to manipulation. Knowledge truly is power; when people are informed about how they’re being targeted, they’re better equipped to make conscious, healthy decisions and to advocate for stronger regulations that hold these industries accountable. Recognizing the tactics is the first step in resisting them and in protecting future generations from addiction and lifelong health consequences. To learn more about this global advocacy work, visit World No Tobacco Day 2025: unmasking the appeal.

What You Can Do: Resources to Quit

If you or someone in your family is thinking about quitting smoking or vaping, support is available and taking that step can make a huge difference to your health and well-being. In Manitoba, there are a variety of free resources to help you on your quit journey, including personalized counselling, quit aids, and online, phone, or text-based support. Visit our website for a complete list of available services, or call the PMH Chronic Disease Education Program’s Toll-Free line at 1-877-509-7852 to speak with a nurse educator and learn more about the Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling Program. In addition to seeking help, it’s also essential to have open, honest conversations with your children and family members about the risks of smoking and vaping. Many youth are influenced by products designed to look fun, harmless, or trendy. Talking with your loved ones about these tactics can help them recognize when they’re being targeted and empower them to make informed, healthy choices. More information can be found at Health Canada or the Consider the Consequences campaign website.