Since September 2023, Mobile Withdrawal Management Services (MWMS) has been quietly transforming the way withdrawal and recovery support is delivered—by meeting participants exactly where they are, both physically and in their recovery journey.

Designed to remove traditional barriers to care, MWMS provides voluntary, short-term withdrawal management and recovery support to individuals aged 18 and over for any substance. Participants are referred to the program through a variety of pathways, including primary care providers, nurse practitioners, the RAAM clinic, emergency departments and urgent care facilities. The MWMS team makes initial phone contact within 72 hours of referral, followed by an in-person visit within 3 days of completing the phone intake, ensuring timely and responsive support during a critical period. The program’s guiding principle is simple: meet participants where they are. There are no geographic boundaries on where the team will travel within Southern Health-Santé Sud and participants have full autonomy to choose their meeting location—whether that’s their home, their vehicle or even another community entirely. Since the program’s inception, the team has travelled to 53 communities across the Southern Health-Santé Sud region, with the furthest location being South Junction.

MWMS is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that includes a Health & Social Service Coordinator, Health & Social Service Worker, Recovery Health Nurses, Indigenous Community Support Worker, consulting Addictions Physicians and Peer Support Workers.

Together, they support a shared participant load of up to 16 individuals, working collaboratively to provide seamless care 365 days a year!

The team operates on weekends, statutory holidays and during peak times to ensure continuity of support when participants need it most. The core program runs for 30 days, during which participants receive daily phone check-ins and weekly in-person visits. For participants who choose to include peer support as part of their recovery, they can receive an additional 30 days with peer support following their time with MWMS. Throughout the program, the team follows the participant’s lead—supporting individualized goals that may include substance use reduction or complete abstinence.

Participation in MWMS is entirely voluntary. Participants remain in full control of their recovery goals and may leave the program at any time. There are no limits to the number of times any one individual can be referred, recognizing that recovery is not a linear process and that people may need support at different points in their lives.

Building trust and rapport is central to the team’s approach. With participant consent, families may also be involved, and the MWMS team can provide both peer and family support as part of the service. The team also offers psychoeducation to help participants connect with longer-term community resources, including counselling, medication management, as well as mental health and addictions supports.

When requested, MWMS works closely with primary care providers and community services to ensure continuity of care once the program ends. Future work will add additional supports to strengthen primary care capacity to deliver this follow‑up. Weekly team reviews ensure that all staff are aligned on participant needs and treatment planning, allowing any team member to step in at a moment’s notice to provide support.

By combining flexibility, compassion and clinical expertise, Mobile Withdrawal Management Services is helping redefine what accessible, client-centred recovery care can look like – one visit, one call and one relationship at a time.

Visit this link to learn more about Mobile Withdrawal Management Services and other Mental Health and Addictions supports available through Southern Health-Santé Sud.

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 is continuing to assess impacts across the region as a result of the snowstorm.

Home care services have been disrupted due to road conditions. Impacted clients have been asked to activate their back-up plans. Some elective surgeries at sites across the region have been postponed, along with some non-essential day programming. Patients will be contacted if any appointments are cancelled.

Please continue to check the Emergency Department schedule and call ahead to confirm operation hours and scheduled appointments with care providers.

For all emergencies call 911.

As we head into fall and winter, influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) will be circulating in our communities. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and the spread of these viruses. Everyone six months of age and older is encouraged to receive their annual flu shot and the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Those 65 years of age and older are eligible for an enhanced flu vaccine that provides more protection than the standard dose flu vaccine, and should also ask if they are eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumococcal pneumonia.

New this year, RSV immunization is available for more people at higher risk. All infants born between October 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026 are eligible for a dose of nirsevimab, an antibody that helps protect against severe RSV illness. In addition, certain adults aged 60 and over — including those living in or moving into personal care homes — are eligible for the RSV vaccine. RSV can be especially dangerous for newborns, older adults, and people with certain underlying health conditions.

Vaccines are safe, effective, and available across Manitoba. To find a nearby clinic or pharmacy, visit the Vaccine Finder or contact your local public health office. Information about vaccine clinics in the Southern Health-Santé Sud region can be found here.

By getting vaccinated and practicing healthy habits like handwashing and staying home when sick, you can help protect yourself, your family, and your community this season.

Following news that the Canadian Union of Postal Workers has issued a national strike effective immediately, Manitoba’s health system stands prepared for this service disruption.

As a result of the strike, all staff and clinics have ceased use of Canada Post until further notice. This includes the distribution of patient supplies, notably for clients in the Manitoba Ostomy and Manitoba Home Nutrition Program, patient appointment letters and pre-appointment information.

Patients with upcoming appointments will instead be contacted by phone and / or email and provided with information in advance of their appointments.

Patients with upcoming clinic appointments at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg may receive their appointment confirmation by text message. The text messages, which will originate from a Manitoba 431 phone number, will not include patient information and will only identify the facility, date and time of the scheduled appointment. Messages will include the clinic phone number in the event patients wish to confirm their appointment by phone.

Patients will never be asked to disclose financial information over the phone or via email. Do not engage with anyone who says they require financial information before a health appointment. If patients have questions about the legitimacy of a call, they are encouraged to contact their clinic or care provider directly.

Information packages, facility maps and other important information that is generally sent by mail to patients and clients will be located on regional and / or facility websites for easy patient access.

If you experience a change in condition, need to change or cancel your appointment, or have questions about an upcoming visit, please contact your clinic or primary care provider.

We anticipate clinics will be experiencing a higher-than-normal volume of calls and appreciate your patience during this time.

For more information about health system operations during a Canada Post labour disruption, please visit: Canada Post Service Disruption Information – Shared Health. We also encourage the public to follow Shared Health’s social media channels for program-specific updates and information.