A decade after it first launched to raise awareness about cervical cancer, Northwestern Ontario’s annual cervical screening campaign is returning this month with a new name and a renewed call to action.

Formerly known as ‘Pap-A-Palooza’, the month-long initiative has been renamed ‘Cervical Screen-a-Thon’ to reflect recent changes to the Ontario Cervical Screening Program. In 2025, Ontario replaced the traditional Pap test with a new cervical screening test that checks for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can lead to cervical cancer.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is leading the 10th annual campaign in partnership with more than 40 clinics and health centres across Northwestern Ontario. From April 1 to 30, participating sites are encouraging eligible individuals to book their cervical screening test as part of a regional effort to increase screening rates.

“This 10^th anniversary milestone reflects the strength of our community partnerships and a decade of commitment to cervical cancer screening across Northwestern Ontario,” said Tarja Heiskanen, Manager, Prevention and Screening Clinical Services at TBRHSC. “Cervical Screen-a-Thon is about turning awareness into action and encouraging more people to take that important step for their health.”

Northwestern Ontario screening numbers are below provincial targets and we are hopeful the campaign will increase screening participation across the region.

“Only about half of eligible individuals in Northwestern Ontario are up to date with cervical screening,” said Dr. Naana Jumah, Ontario Health – Cancer Care Ontario Regional Colposcopy and Cervical Screening Lead for the northwest region. “We continue to diagnose cervical cancer in people who were overdue for testing. Regular screening allows us to detect changes earlier and significantly improve outcomes.”

The Ontario Cervical Screening Program recommends screening for individuals who:

• Are at least 25 years old.
• Are a woman, Two-Spirit person, transmasculine person, or non-binary person with a cervix.
• Have ever had sexual contact with another person.
• Do not currently have symptoms such as unusual bleeding or discharge.
• Are due for screening based on program guidelines.

To find a participating clinic near you and to learn more about Cervical Screen-a-Thon, visit tbrhsc.net/screenathon.

National Indigenous Languages Day, celebrated on March 31, is an opportunity to appreciate the linguistic diversity within Indigenous cultures. This day emphasizes the importance of revitalizing and preserving Indigenous languages, which are vital to cultural identity and community connections.

In Canada, languages like Anishinabek (Ojibwe), Mushkegowuk (Cree), and Anisininew (Oji-Cree) demonstrate unique vocabulary and grammar, reflecting the rich histories and cultures of their communities.

Within the Ojibwe community, there are some common words that showcase the beauty and significance of the language. Here are a few:

To learn more:

The Ojibwe People’s Dictionary – https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/

James Vukelich Kaagegaawaw – https://www.youtube.com/@james.vukelich/featured

Recommended Reading: Vukelich Kaagegaawaw, James. The Seven Generations and The Seven Grandfather Teachings. James Vukelich, 2023           

Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control

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An RSV outbreak has been declared on 1A Medical /Oncology inpatient unit as of today Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Outbreak #2262-2026-00038 

All restrictions are in place. 

Please share this information with the appropriate staff. 

As always, our number one priority is the safety of patients and their families, staff and visitors. All patients identified as having an exposure to this outbreak will require isolation with appropriate additional precautions. 

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

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

807-684-6094 

Shared on behalf of Rae-Anne Robinson, Lead, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

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International Transgender Day of Visibility takes place annually on March 31. It is an opportunity to celebrate and empower the trans community, while also bringing awareness to the barriers and ongoing discrimination trans people face. The day also celebrates and recognizes the incredible accomplishments of the Two-Spirit, Transgender, and Non-Binary communities.

Unfortunately, the Trans community still faces many challenges, especially when it comes to accessing health care services. The community also experiences high rates of suicide and suicidal thoughts.

What is gender-affirming care?

Gender-affirming care is a range of services that provide life-saving health care for trans individuals. This includes transition-related services and other medical care, mental health care, and social services.

How can health care workers start to provide more gender-affirming care?

It is so important for us to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for Trans patients at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Even small gestures like asking for pronouns and preferred names, correcting a colleague who makes inappropriate comments, and advocating for a patient who may be misgendered can make a huge difference in making someone feel safe and respected. You can also show solidary by wearing pink, blue or white, a Transgender flag pin or a name tag indicating preferred pronouns.  

Let’s take a moment to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the Trans community!

For more information, visit: https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/TransHealthGuide/index.html

Learn more about affirming and inclusive language on Egale Canada at: https://egale.ca/awareness/affirming-and-inclusive-language/

Shared on behalf of Human Resources

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Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre regularly evaluates the performance of our benefit plans and premiums to ensure the long-term sustainability of the plan, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. A recent review of the plan indicated an adjustment of 6% to dental premiums and 6-10% for extended health premiums, depending on division, are required to adjust for utilization and inflation.

How This Affects You: The average adjustment to employee premiums for combined single coverage is $3.74/ month and $10.13/month for combined family coverage. For employees with Green Shield coverage, the new premiums will be effective April 1 and reflected on your ninth pay stub.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate these changes. Our goal is to continue offering you high-quality benefits that help support your health and well-being.

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at TBRHSC.HumanResources@tbh.net.

April is National Volunteer Week, and to celebrate, we will highlight volunteers through the PFCC Shout Outs.

Do you know a Volunteer in our organization who consistently demonstrates exceptional Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC)? Someone who takes the time to truly listen, and who ensures everyone feels respected, safe, and valued? We want to hear about them!

Each month, the PFCC team is accepting “PFCC Shout Outs”, recognizing staff and volunteers across all departments who go the extra mile to make the patient and family experience better. Whether it’s a small gesture of kindness, a meaningful conversation, or an example of true collaboration and compassion, we want to celebrate those moments.

What does a PFCC Shout Out, Volunteer Edition look like?

• A volunteer who takes time to explain directions in a way the patient understands.
• A volunteer who makes a patient feel comfortable and less anxious during a wheelchair transfer.
• A volunteer who warmly greets families and helps them navigate the hospital.
• A volunteer who prioritizes dignity, respect, and collaboration.

How to nominate someone:

Anyone — staff, patients, families, or volunteers — can nominate a staff member by sending a quick email to TBRHSC.PFCC@tbh.net.

Just include the Volunteers member’s name, department, and a brief description of what they did that deserves recognition. Winners will receive a small prize, have their photo featured on the PFCC intranet page, and be highlighted in the Daily Informed newsletter. Let’s celebrate the people who make this a truly patient and family-centred organization. Start shouting out today!

What’s Changing?

With the move to a fully Microsoft environment, your ZENworks Application Launcher (ZAP) is going away. So, the way you access your applications is going to change! To access your applications going forward, there are four main methods:

Option 1: Desktop Icons

Core applications used throughout the organization will be located on the desktop.

1. Locate the application’s desktop icon.
2. Double-click the icon.

Option 2: Search Function

Quickly search and open your applications.

1. Click the Windows Start button.
2. Start typing the name of the application.
3. Click the application from the search results.

Tip: This is the fastest way to open any installed application, as you don’t have to go looking for it.

Option 3: Pinned Apps

Personalize your desktop! Pin your frequently used applications to the Start menu or taskbar.

1. Click the Windows Start button.
2. Click All.
3. Locate the application in the list.
4. Right-click and select Pin to Start or More > Pin to taskbar

Option 4: Browse All Apps

View all your installed applications to locate the one you need.
1. Click the Windows Start button.
2. Click All.

Application not listed? Click on the Company Portal icon located on the desktop and see what’s available for you to install.

For IT assistance or missing applications, please contact the Help Desk: Email Help.Desk@tbh.net | Phone 807-684-6411

Care Bus services are winding down for the season, with the last day of operation on March 31, 2026.

The Care Bus in Thunder Bay is a free, mobile warming center and outreach service operated by NorWest Community Health Centres from late fall to early spring. It offers a warm space, hot meals, harm reduction supplies, and transport to services daily including TBRHSC.

For information, please call (807) 632-9732.

The Care Bus team is extending a thank you for all those involved in working to keep people safe, warm, and connected to the services they need. 

Employee Donors are Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre staff who donate through payroll deductions, helping to fund Hospital equipment & upgrades in the area that means the most to them.

Each month, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation will feature some of the incredible Employee Donors in the Employee Donor Spotlight!

March’s Employee Donor is Jenelle Dawson, Development Assistant – Events:

“I became an Employee Donor because giving back is something that truly matters to me. Working in Events at the Health Sciences Foundation is such a fun and rewarding experience – I get to connect with incredible community partners who are just as passionate about making a difference in healthcare. Being part of that energy inspired me to give back in my own way through Employee Giving. It might feel small, but it’s a powerful way to support and be part of real impact in our community”

If you’re a Hospital employee you can sign up, too! Learn more here. Did you know? Tbaytel, matches annual Employee Donor contributions up to $7,500!

Are you already an Employee Donor and want to be featured in the Spotlight? Let us know, and you’ll receive a coffee card donated by Robin’s and a gift card donated by Sleeping Giant Biscotti! Contact, Lindsay Puhalski, Development Assistant, Philanthropy at 807-684-7106 or lindsay.puhalski@healthsciencesfoundation.ca.