Shared on behalf of Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA)

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Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) is proud to launch its new Cancer Survivorship Campaign, an awareness initiative focused on the importance of regular screening, early detection, and celebrating resilience, and life after cancer.

The campaign, launched in partnership with the North West Regional Cancer Program and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, shines a light on the types of cancers that impact the 33 First Nations SLFNHA serves across Kiiwetinoong and encourages conversations about cancer, healing, and hope. In many of the communities SLFNHA serves, cancer is too often detected at later stages, when treatment options can be more limited. This campaign aims to change that by empowering people with information, encouraging regular screening, and reminding families that early detection improves outcomes.

“This campaign is about saving lives through awareness and early detection. We are committed to strengthening cancer awareness and survivorship supports across Kiiwetinoong.” Says Sonia Isaac-Mann, SLFNHA President & CEO.” We are incredibly grateful to Connie, Pauline, and Norine for sharing their stories so others can find courage and hope.” 

At the heart of the campaign are three powerful voices from the region who have lived through cancer and are now sharing their stories to inspire others:

Connie Gray-McKay, breast cancer survivor from Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation

Pauline Lac Seul, endometrial cancer survivor from Lac Seul First Nation

Norine Van Breda, colon cancer survivor from Hudson, Ontario

Each survivor brings a unique experience and perspective, reflecting the many paths through diagnosis, treatment, and healing. SLFNHA is deeply grateful and honoured that Connie, Pauline, and Norine have chosen to share their journeys so openly.

The theme of the campaign is “Let’s Talk About Cancer, Healing, and Hope.” It is a message that encourages people to speak up, ask questions, get checked, and support each other on a community level. Lives can be saved and those on their cancer journey are not alone.

“We know from the data that far too many people in the communities SLFNHA serves are not getting screened regularly. In some cases, fewer than one in three people are participating in screening,” says David McConnell, Director of the North West Regional Cancer Program. “Survivorship reminds us why this matters: earlier screening can lead to more treatment options and better outcomes. By sharing the real stories of survivors in these communities, we aim to empower others to get screened so they can be there for their families and live longer, healthier lives.”

The Cancer Survivorship Campaign is a partnership between Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, the North West Regional Cancer Program, and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). The campaign videos were directed and filmed by Upriver Media.

Watch the survivor videos here: www.slfnha.com/cancerscreening

Hosting the BIG GAME on February 8 just got a whole lot easier!

Local catering company Gusterra is serving up ready-to-heat game day appetizer platters, with proceeds supporting life-saving cardiac care right here at home through our Northern Cardiac Fund.

To owners Theo Sundell and Beckham Thompson, Gusterra’s launch fundraiser is deeply personal. Cardiac care has touched their own family, and now they’re giving back! Platters come ready to serve 6-10 people, depending on how big your game day party will be! Platter for 6 is $110, platter for 10 is $160. 

$25–$35 from every platter supports local cardiac care right here in Thunder Bay.

Pre-orders are open NOW until February 4, then you just pick up, heat, serve & enjoy. Pickup will be available at the RFDA at 570 Syndicate Ave S on February 7 and 8 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the kitchen entrance.

Check out the menu!

For more details and to order your game day platter, check out Gusterra.ca/gameday
FOR MORE INFO: https://www.gusterra.ca/product-page/super-bowl-package-6-10-people

The outbreak of influenza A has been declared OVER on 3B as of Monday January 19, 2026. 

All restrictions are lifted. 

Outbreak number # 2262-2026-00006 

Please share this information with the appropriate staff.   

For more information, contact Infection Prevention and Control at extension 6094.

Flooring repair has been completed.

Reminder – How to Book Wellness Room

1. Open Microsoft Outlook
Open the Outlook desktop app or Outlook Web (Office 365).

2. Create a New Meeting/Event
Select New Meeting (desktop) or New Event (web).

3. Add the Wellness Room
In the Location field — or under Required attendees — type the name Wellness Room. Select it from the directory so it is added as a Room Resource.

4. Pick Your Date and Time
Choose the day and time you want to reserve.
Outlook will automatically show whether the room is free or already booked.

5. Add a Simple Subject
Enter a brief title — your first name and last initial

6. Send the Invitation
Click Send. If the room is available, it will auto-accept and appear on your calendar.
If unavailable, you will receive a decline message

7. Confirm Your Booking
Open the event on your calendar to ensure the wellness room is listed under Location.

For more information, please contact: Rose Lazinski, Manager, Occupational Health and Safety Department at Rose.Lazinski@tbh.net.

Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Renewal Course

Taking place Monday, February 23, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. in the Ibn Sina Simulation Lab (Room 3100, 3rd Floor – TBRHSC)

Click to learn more and to register – https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1979399240412?aff=oddtdtcreator

The PALS Provider Renewal course is a fast-paced course. It is designed for proficient PALS providers who regularly direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies in critically ill or injured children and who holds a current PALS Provider certificate. This course assumes a comprehensive awareness, knowledge and skill proficiency in PALS concepts, and is best suited for providers who use these skills frequently and therefore require limited practice to be successful.

Learners will practice and apply their knowledge to case scenarios applying the proven systematic approach to pediatric assessment, treatment algorithms and coordinated high-performance team dynamics, in both team leader and team member roles.

Sign up early as space is limited

Clinical placements play a vital role in a health care learner’s journey, bridging academic learning with real-world practice and helping students build confidence, competence, and professional identity. Through hands-on experience, learners develop essential clinical skills, teamwork, and an understanding of patient centred care.

As an academic health sciences centre, our Hospital is proud to support learners by providing a safe, supportive, and enriching placement environment where future professionals can learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to patient care. Every month, the department of Academic Affairs is highlighting learners at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Today, we meet Jenna, who is in the Dietetic Program at NOSM University. 

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Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario

Program: Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP) at NOSM University. Undergraduate education at the University of Guelph

What does an average day during your placement look like?

My program is designed so that I have four- to six-week placement rotations. I have been lucky to be completing two placements at TBRHSC. I completed a rotation in Oncology/Medicine, and now I am completing a rotation in Renal.

A day for me looks like determining which patients are most important to see, gathering any relevant information that might help lead the conversation I have with the patients, conversing with the patients about their diet, nutritional concerns, and any interventions that I recommend. Finally, I chart on these patients. I ask my preceptors to give me feedback often to ensure I can correct any mistakes and change my approach next time.

Is there a mentor of faculty member who has significantly impacted you?

The entire Dietitian Team at TBRHSC have all significantly impacted me in a positive way. I have been able to learn so much from them, everyone is always willing to answer my questions, and I have felt very supported in my time at TBRHSC. I really appreciate the guidance I have received, as everyone has made sure that I know I am not alone and can reach out if I need anything.

What is one interesting fact others might not know about you?

An interesting fact about me, is that I am very crafty. I love trying out new crafts and making things. One of the most interesting things I did was, last year, I sewed a formal ball gown for myself that I wore to a Fantasy Ball. It took me a very long time, but I am so proud of the results. I find that sewing and making crafts has fostered my ability to problem-solve, as I usually get stuck but can work my way through by taking some time to think about how the pieces fit together. It has always been very rewarding to create something I can wear.

World Religion Day is observed annually on the third Sunday in January. This day serves as a reminder of the need for harmony and understanding amongst the different religions, faiths, and spiritualties that are practiced throughout the world.

There are around 4,200 religions in the world! There are also many people who do not follow religious practices.

Why is World Religion Day important? Freedom of religion and beliefs is a fundamental human right. World Religion Day offers important opportunities to reflect on our own religious and spiritual practices, as well as to learn about, and deepen our understanding of other spiritual practices and worldviews. Understanding other perspectives can help to reduce discrimination, celebrate diversity, and foster respect for others and their beliefs.

As part of our patient and family-centred care philosophy, TBRHSC recognizes that all patients and families have their own unique values and beliefs, and we celebrate the diversity that these beliefs bring to our community.

The Spiritual Care team at our hospital provides services that are sensitive to, and respectful of, the diverse expression of spirituality and religion in our community, and serves individuals from all faiths, and those with no faith tradition. If your patient would like to speak with a Spiritual Care Provider, please contact Spiritual Care at: 807-684-6236.

If you would like to learn more about World Religion Day, please click here.

Our Tuition Reimbursement Program is accepting applications until February 6. We are proud to be a learning organization that encourages education, growth, and ongoing development for employees.

For full details, please refer to the poster and the Tuition Reimbursement policy or visit the following: https://informed.tbrhsc.net/departments/human-resources/programs/tuition-remimbursement.

If you’re a part-time, contract or casual employee, you can join the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) at any time during your employment here at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

For more information, click the handout below, or contact HR at  TBRHSC.HumanResources@tbh.net or extension 6218.

A respiratory outbreak has been declared over on 2C as of Thursday January 15, 2026.

All restrictions are lifted.  

Please share this information with the appropriate staff. The department of Infection Prevention and Control encourages everyone to keep applying the routine practices of hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, equipment cleaning, and the appropriate admission screening of all patients.

Please set an example for staff and students and assist us by maintaining compliance and due diligence. 

For more information, contact Infection Prevention and Control at extension 6094.