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.

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.

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.

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

Winnipeg, MB (April 29 – May 1, 2025) – Representatives from the Southern Health-Santé Sud (SH-SS) palliative care team recently attended the Canadian Public Health Association’s national conference in Winnipeg to present their groundbreaking project, Enhancing Palliative Care with First Nations Communities in Southern Health-Santé Sud. This innovative initiative, which is being carried out in partnership with Dakota Ojibway Health Services and five local First Nations, has been designed to bridge gaps in palliative care and ensure that culturally relevant services are accessible to Indigenous communities in the region.

Launched in 2023 with funding from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, the project will continue through to 2026. The goal is to provide more accessible, equitable, and culturally safe palliative care by addressing the unique needs of First Nations communities in the Southern Health-Santé Sud region.

The project began with a series of engagement sessions within each partnered First Nation community, offering a space for participants to share their experiences of caring for individuals with serious illnesses. The data collected at these engagement sessions informed the development of care models tailored to meet community needs.

One of the key guiding principles throughout the project has been the adherence to the First Nations Principles of Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP). This ensures that all information gathered during the engagement process is returned to the communities, honoring their sovereignty and involvement.

Future steps for the project include reciprocal learning and job shadow opportunities and the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the involved parties. These initiatives are designed to further integrate the knowledge and practices of both western and traditional care systems, ensuring a holistic and supportive approach for patients and families.

The project would not possible without the support and collaboration of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and Health Canada, as well as the invaluable contributions from the communities of Dakota Tipi First Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, and Swan Lake First Nation. Their insight, participation, and leadership have been essential in shaping the success of this initiative.

As the project progresses, its leaders remain committed to making palliative care more accessible and culturally appropriate for First Nations communities, ensuring that every person receives the dignity, respect, and quality care they deserve as they near the end of life.