Home > Articles by: Sylvie Robidoux

It’s Oral Health Month

women brushing a child's teeth

Healthy Smile Happy Child is making a difference in reducing Early Childhood Tooth Decay

It’s oral health month, and Healthy Smile Happy Child is doing some very important research to help prevent early childhood tooth decay. Healthy Smile Happy Child is a partnership that works with communities to prevent early childhood tooth decay. Last year, we celebrated our twenty-fifth anniversary. The partnership shares important oral health information with communities across Manitoba and works with those communities to study oral health in young children.

Oral Health Studies

Healthy Smile Happy Child is currently working on four very important studies with Métis and First Nations communities.

The studies are looking at:

  • Collecting plaque and saliva samples from children who do not have tooth decay, as well as those with early childhood tooth decay, to see if there are differences. This could help prevent tooth decay in the future.
  • Including traditional oral health teaching in Healthy Smile Happy Child’s oral health promotion activities.
  • Having non-dental health care providers use a tool to help children who are at risk for early childhood tooth decay connect to dental care.
  • Studying whether the Canadian Dental Care Plan helps people get dental care.

All of these research projects will help to reduce the risk of tooth decay in young children.

If you are interested in participating, please contact 204-480-1351

Tips for Taking Care of Children’s Teeth

Keeping your child’s mouth clean is one important step in preventing early childhood tooth decay.

The following tips can help:

  • Wipe baby’s gums. Wiping baby’s gums after each feeding, starting at birth with a clean and damp washcloth, is an important start to establishing an oral hygiene routine.
  • Start brushing baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a small amount (the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste with fluoride. When your child is old enough to spit, use a pea-size amount of toothpaste with fluoride.
  • Brush baby teeth twice a day for two minutes.
  • Take your child to visit the dental team for a check-up by the 1st birthday. As soon as the first tooth appears make an appointment to visit a dentist. Many dentists have a free first visit until the age of 3 years old.
  • Help children brush their teeth until they are eight years old. Children need help getting all the surfaces of their teeth brushed until they have the coordination to do it themselves.

Did you know that you may be able to get dental insurance through the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

Individuals can apply if:

  • They do not have private dental insurance.
  • They have a family income of less than $90,000.
  • They have filed their 2025 tax return.
  • They are Canadian residents for tax purposes.
  • If you receive the Canada Child Benefit for your child, YOU Qualify!

For information on how to apply, visit Canada.ca/dental
Remember to renew your coverage each year after filing your tax return!

For more information about taking care of young children’s teeth visit Healthy Smile Happy Child social media and website

New Inpatient Unit Opens at Boundary Trails Health Centre

Expanded capacity strengthens care for growing region

Patients and families across southern Manitoba will benefit from increased hospital capacity with the opening of the new two-story inpatient unit expansion at Boundary Trails Health Centre.

The new inpatient unit is part of a major expansion designed to support the rapidly growing communities of Morden and Winkler and surrounding municipalities to improve access to care closer to home. The additional 24 medical and palliative care beds will increase the facility’s capacity and provide modern space for patient care programs, helping ensure residents in the region receive timely treatment when they need it.

“This expansion represents a significant step forward for health care in our region,” said Kyle MacNair, Implementation Lead for Southern Health-Santé Sud. “The new inpatient unit will help meet the needs of our growing population while providing patients and families with modern, comfortable spaces designed to support high-quality care.”

The new 24 bed inpatient unit is part of a broader expansion of the Boundary Trails Health Centre campus that includes the addition of a new community services building, enhanced clinical spaces, a new operating theater, expanded Emergency Department, expanded Cancer Care Department, a future Labour and Delivery expansion and Level 2 Nursery.

This expansion would not be possible if it weren’t for the many partners that supported the capital side of this project. The region extends sincere appreciation to the Province of Manitoba for investing in this project and supporting health care services across Southern Health-Santé Sud.

Community support is what brought this project to the forefront. Without the generous support of the community, this expansion would not be possible. The Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation contributed $10 million toward the project, reflecting the region’s strong commitment to strengthening local health care.

“The generosity of donors and community partners has been instrumental in bringing this expansion to life,” said Dana Human, Interim CEO at Southern Health-Santé Sud. “Their support ensures residents can access more services closer to home.”

The region extends a heartfelt thank you to the many clinical and non-clinical teams that have been working tirelessly over the past few years to make this transition possible. As staff begin welcoming patients into the new space, the expanded inpatient unit will help support hospital teams in delivering safe, compassionate care for years to come.

Expansion at Bethesda Regional Health Centre opens

Enhancing access to care in southeastern Manitoba

Patients in southeastern Manitoba are beginning to receive care in newly expanded spaces at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, marking another significant milestone for health care in the region.

The completed capital expansion includes a 59,000-square-foot addition with 15 new medicine and palliative care beds, three state-of-the-art operating theatres, expanded laboratory services and a dedicated quiet space designed for ceremonies, and family gatherings.

“This expansion represents an important step forward in ensuring Bethesda Regional Health Centre meets the growing health care needs of Steinbach and surrounding communities,” said Kyle MacNair, Implementation Lead for Southern Health-Santé Sud. “The new spaces enhance both our capacity and our ability to deliver modern, patient-centred care for the communities we serve.”

The addition includes private patient rooms with bathrooms and showers, new air-isolation rooms to support infection control, and updated laboratory space capable of providing faster and expanded testing services.

A key component of the project is the new surgical department, featuring three new operating theatres, a pre-operative consultation room and dedicated spaces for pre- and post-operative care. These improvements are expected to support additional surgical capacity and improve patient flow within the hospital.

The expansion also enhances end-of-life care in the region with seven private palliative care rooms, designed to provide comfort, privacy and space for families during difficult times.

The project reflects a strong partnership between the province, regional health leaders and the community. The Bethesda Foundation contributed $8 million toward the expansion, demonstrating the region’s ongoing commitment to strengthening local health services.

“The opening of this expansion reflects years of planning, collaboration and community support,” said Dana Human, Interim CEO for Southern Health-Santé Sud. “Together, we are strengthening health care services so people can receive the care they need, closer to home.”

The region extends a heartfelt thank you to the Bethesda Foundation and the community donors that graciously contributed funds towards this project and to the Province of Manitoba for investing in the expansion of health care services in our region. Lastly, none of this would be possible if it weren’t for the dedication of the clinical and non-clinical teams at Bethesda Regional Health Centre. It has been a busy few years for these teams who have continued to support existing services while planning and training for a seamless transition to the new clinical spaces.

Drone photo of Bethesda Regional Health Centre expansion
Patient room in the Bethesda Regional Health Centre expansion
Patient Room

Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine Clinic Continues to Support Portage la Prairie and Southern Region

Since opening its doors in October 2020, Portage la Prairie’s Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) Clinic has become a cornerstone for individuals experiencing substance use challenges across the southern region. Designed to remove barriers and offer a safe and welcoming space for addictions support, the clinic has steadily grown into a trusted safe space for community members seeking help, connection, or a warm place to grab a coffee and a snack. No referrals are required—walk-ins are always welcome, and the RAAM team welcomes anyone seeking information, guidance, or support related to substance use and addictions.

The clinic is staffed by a dedicated team of three full-time professionals, a recovery health nurse, a rehabilitation counsellor, and an administrative assistant—alongside four consulting physicians who provide specialized medical guidance. Counsellors at the clinic also offer coaching and support to family members and peers, recognizing that recovery is a journey that often involves the entire support network. Together, this multidisciplinary team ensures that anyone who walks through the door can receive person-centered care without judgment.

Beyond clinical support, the RAAM clinic strives to create a warm, community-focused environment. Visitors are encouraged to come in for a cup of coffee, a snack, or a friendly conversation. Essential personal items such as weather-appropriate clothing, toiletries, and sanitary products are also available, many generously donated by members of the public. Adding to the supportive atmosphere are two beloved neighborhood cats, Inky and Thunder, who come and go as they please. Their calming presence and quiet affection provide unexpected morale support to individuals and families seeking care.

This spirit of community involvement extends beyond the clinic walls. On the property sits a thriving community garden supported by clients in the Intensive Case Management (ICM) program as part of their recreation and engagement activities. The garden provides meaningful opportunities for connection, skill-building, and recovery-focused routines. All produce grown is made available to anyone visiting the RAAM clinic, reinforcing the centre’s focus on dignity, nourishment, and shared community care.

“One thing I hope that clients and their families walk away knowing is that we care and we will never turn you away,” says Recovery Health Nurse, Karie Mooney.

Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the RAAM clinic’s staff are available throughout the day to answer questions, offer guidance, support recovery planning, and provide harm-reduction supplies when needed. Whether someone is seeking treatment options, withdrawal-management, support to those affected by a loved one who is living with substance use or simply a place to connect, the RAAM clinic remains committed to meeting people exactly where they are.

In addition to in-person services, RAAM services are also offered through Digital Front Door (DFD), a virtual drop-in option that allows individuals to connect with RAAM services from wherever they are using a phone, tablet, or computer. The DFD operates much like familiar video apps and meets provincial privacy standards, ensuring appointments aren’t recorded while enabling secure communication with RAAM staff.

Led by nurses, virtual clinics provide immediate support and can arrange follow-up care with a provider either virtually or in person when needed.

The Digital Front Door is available Monday through Friday at scheduled times across RAAM locations including Portage la Prairie, helping reduce barriers like travel, transportation, and stigma while providing the public with another way to access low-barrier addictions support without an appointment. For more information about this services, please visit the Shared Health website.

RAAM Clinic in Portage
RAAM Clinic counselor room
RAAM Clinic client room
RAAM Clinic client room

Boundary Trails Health Centre Update – November 2025

Construction for the new two-story inpatient unit expansion and community services is now complete. Both spaces are currently undergoing digital and systems installations as well as furniture and equipment setup. Clinical teams moving into these new spaces are undergoing training and orientation in preparation of the officially opening in spring 2026.

Exterior image showing progress of expansion at Boundary Trails Health Centre

BTHC expansion progress

Inpatient Unit Interior

BTHC inpatient interior
BTHC Inpatient Unit Interior
BTHC Inpatient unit interior
BTHC inpatient unit interior

Community Services Interior

BTHC Community Services interior
BTHC Community Services interior

Southern Health-Santé Sud Urges Public to Protect Against Measles this Summer

As families across southern Manitoba prepare for summer vacations, camping trips, day programs and summer camps, Southern Health-Santé Sud is reminding the public to protect against measles this summer. With increased travel and large gatherings during the summer months, public health officials are reminding residents to stay vigilant and ensure all eligible family members are fully immunized against measles. Whether you’re hitting the road, sending children to camp, or hosting visitors from out of town, now is the time to double-check your immunizations.

Measles is a highly contagious and serious disease that spreads easily through the air — especially in enclosed places where people spend long periods of time, like homes, bunk houses, tents, community centres, and vehicles during long trips. Measles can cause high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash. Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to complications like ear infections, pneumonia, brain swelling, or worse. As well, pregnant women could go into early labour, have a miscarriage, or pass measles onto their newborn. Someone with measles can spread the virus before they even show symptoms — making vaccination the best protection.

Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent measles. It not only protects individuals but also helps shield those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions. The measles vaccine has been available in Canada for more than 50 years, first introduced in 1963. Since then, it has played a critical role in reducing the number of cases and protecting communities from outbreaks.

Protect Your Family Before You Travel or Camp:

  • Review immunization records for every household member
  • Ensure children, teens, and adults are up to date with their MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine
  • Book an appointment with your local public health office or healthcare provider if vaccines are missing
  • Watch for symptoms like fever, cough, or rash, especially after travel or attending large events.

Two doses of measles vaccine is almost 100% effective in preventing measles infection. Children typically receive their first dose at 12 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years of age. Due to the severity of the current outbreak, Manitoba Health has expanded eligibility for the measles vaccine. Children aged 6 to under 12 months who fall into any of the following categories may receive one additional early dose:

  • Living in Southern Health-Santé Sud or Interlake-Eastern regions
  • Regular travel to and close contact with residents of those regions
  • Evacuated from wildfire-affected communities in Manitoba

The full list of eligibility criteria for the measles vaccine in Manitoba can be found on the Manitoba Health website.

For more information on measles and known exposure sites, please review the Measles General Information (Low German version) or visit the Manitoba Health website.

Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS)

Southern Health-Santé Sud extends a heartfelt thanks to The Village Connection for their generous support in enhancing emergency care at the Centre médico-social De Salaberry District Health Centre.

Thanks to their grant, a crucial piece of Emergency Room equipment — the LUCAS (Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System) — has been purchased. This life-saving device delivers consistent, high-quality mechanical chest compressions to patients in cardiac arrest, improving outcomes and supporting our dedicated care teams.

LUCAS device being tested by two individuals
two individuals testing the LUCAS device

Southern Health-Santé Sud Urges Public to Protect Against Measles Amid Rising Cases in the Region

Southern Health-Santé Sud is issuing a public advisory in response to a growing number of measles cases confirmed in the southern region. Public health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and ensure that all eligible family members are fully immunized against measles. Your action is vital to protect yourself and our community.

5 graphics of Measles symptoms

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious disease. It can cause high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes and rash. The disease tends to be more severe in infants and young children. Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, brain swelling, or even death. The virus spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it can linger in a room for up to two hours after they leave. Someone with measles can spread the virus to others as early as four days before the rash begins (before they know they are sick) to four days after the rash appears.

Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent measles. It not only protects individuals but also helps shield those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants and people with certain medical conditions. The measles vaccine has been available in Canada for more than 50 years, first introduced in 1963. Since then, it has played a critical role in reducing the number of cases and protecting communities from outbreaks.

Two doses of measles vaccine is almost 100% effective in preventing measles infection. Children typically receive their first dose at 12 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years of age. However, due to the severity of the current outbreak, Manitoba Health has expanded vaccine eligibility. Children 6 months to under 12 months who meet the following criteria can be provided one additional dose:

  • Those residing in Southern Health-Santé Sud (SH-SS) or Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA), or
  • Those who travel regularly to AND have close contact with residents of SH-SS or IERHA, or
  • Those who have been evacuated from their home communities due to wildfires in Manitoba.

Access the full list of eligibility criteria for the measles vaccine in Manitoba.

Southern Health-Santé Sud is urging families to:

  • Review immunization records for all household members
  • Ensure children and teens are up to date with their MMR vaccine
  • Contact your local public health office or healthcare provider to arrange immunization if needed
  • Monitor for symptoms

Measles is preventable — but only through timely vaccination. Community-wide immunity is essential to stop the spread and protect those most at risk. If you or a family member develop symptoms such as fever, cough, or rash, call Health Links–Info Santé at 1-888-315-9257 or call the nearest Emergency Department for further direction regarding testing options. Please call ahead before visiting any healthcare facility to help prevent further transmission.

For more information on measles and known exposure sites, please review and share the fact sheets below or visit the Manitoba Health website.

Measles Factsheet

Southern Health-Santé Sud Support for Wildfire Evacuation

Southern Health-Santé Sud has been actively supporting and accommodating the relocation of long term care patients coming from the evacuation of personal care homes in the northern health region. We are also working closely with Shared Health and community partners to ensure the safety and wellbeing of evacuees arriving in our region.

The ongoing wildfires in Manitoba have disrupted countless lives, and we understand the immense challenges evacuees may be facing, from urgent health concerns to the complexities of relocating yourself and your loved ones.

To support evacuees on connecting with healthcare services in your current location or locating a relocated patient or long term care patient, call Health Links-Info Santé at 1-888-315-9257 (toll free) or 204-788-8200 and press 1 for assistance.

Our thoughts are with the families and communities impacted by the wildfire situation. We stand in support with the northern region and commit to ensuring that all relocated residents and patients receive continuity of care.

UPDATE ABOUT MEASLES EXPOSURE AT PORTAGE DISTRICT GENERAL HOSPITAL

A public service announcement on behalf of Southern Health-Santé Sud

Southern Health-Santé Sud is advising the public of a potential exposure to measles at Portage District General Hospital.

Exposure Details:

  • Location: Portage District General Hospital – Emergency Department
  • Exposure Dates: May 26, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to May 27, 2025 1:00 a.m.

Individuals who were at the hospital during these times may have been exposed to measles and are advised to take precautions.

About Measles:

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Even brief contact can lead to transmission in those who are not immune.

Symptoms to Watch For:

Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include:

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • A red rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

What You Should Do If You Think You Were Exposed:

  • Check your immunization status. Ensure you and your family members are up to date with the measles vaccine.
  • Monitor for symptoms for 21 days from the date of exposure.
  • If symptoms develop, call your nearest clinic or hospital to get tested for the measles
  • Contact Health Links – Info Santé at 1-888-315-9257 for advice especially if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or if your child is less than 6 months old.

Additional Information:

For further updates and more information on measles, visit the Province of Manitoba website.

Southern Health-Santé Sud is working with Portage District General Hospital to notify individuals who may have been directly exposed and to prevent further transmission.

Healthier people. Healthier communities. Thriving together.