Are you confident in how to respond in the event of a small fire? Knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher could make all the difference.
We’re offering two Fire Extinguisher Training sessions on Wednesday, July 9 for all staff. These quick, hands-on sessions will teach you the basics of fire response and how to safely operate an extinguisher.
Who should attend: All staff are welcome
When: Wednesday, July 9 at 1:00 p.m. or Wednesday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m. Each session is approximately 30 minutes long.
Where: Parking Lot – The Lane between Turtle and Moose
How to Register: To sign up for one of the sessions contact Marina White via email at marina.white@tbh.net
Let’s stay prepared together. Your safety matters.
Health care is a fundamental human right, and ensuring that every community has access to safe and affirming care is essential. Many groups, including the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, continue to face significant barriers such as discrimination, stigma, and inequitable access to care, leading to poorer health outcomes. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, we can move towards creating a health care environment that truly respects and meets the diverse needs of all individuals. Understanding and addressing these disparities are crucial steps in building a system that fulfills everyone’s unique health care requirements.
The resources below offer a foundational understanding of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, along with practical tips on how to be an effective ally and provide culturally sensitive care.
Pronoun Usage Guide
Egale Canada
If you’ve ever wondered about why pronouns are important and how to use them respectfully, this comprehensive guide from Egale Canada covers commonly used pronouns, neopronouns, and shares allyship tips. You can find the guide here.
Components of Human Identity
Egale Canada
No matter what terms a person uses to describe their identities, we all possess the following four components of human identity: Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Attraction, and Assigned Sex. This includes people who do not identify as 2SLGBTQI. The Genderbread Person is a helpful visual tool for understanding these components. You can access the resource here.
How Do We Talk About It? Combatting Anti-2SLGBTQI Hate
A Guide For Having Difficult Conversations
Egale Canada
Anti-2SLGBTQI hate is on the rise in Canada. This guide is designed to provide you with the knowledge you need to have difficult conversations to address anti-2SLGBTQI hate, and spread awareness of the issues facing trans and gender-diverse people across Canada. You can view the guide here.
Tips on how to practice 2SLGBTQ+ allyship & Responding with Allyship
Egale Canada
Have you ever witnessed discriminatory behaviour towards member of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, but were unsure of what to do? These articles offer valuable insights on how to address discrimination, and act as an ally toward the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.Both resources can be found here.
Minus 18
If you want to learn more about how to use pronouns and do so in a fun way, check out this interactive website.
Courses
2SLGBTQ Foundations
Rainbow Health Ontario
This self-directed virtual course consists of seven modules, designed to build your foundational knowledge for providing care to 2SLGBTQ+ people. Open to all, it’s a prerequisite for other RHO courses. available virtually in both English and French. This course, and others are available here.
Removing the Barriers—Making Your Organization 2SLGBTQ Friendly
Rainbow Health Ontario
This course is designed to help you learn to create inclusive, affirming services for 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Examine existing policies, materials, and culture using an intersectional and anti-oppressive framework. This course, and others are available here.
Intro to Gender-Diversity – Expanded
Trans Care BC
An introductory, non-clinical course is designed for anyone working or volunteering within health care and social services. It explores key concepts related to gender diversity, and provides simple strategies for creating affirming services for transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals. This non-clinical course. For more information or to register, click here.
Videos
United with Pride: 2SLGBTQIA+ Intersectionality in Healthcare
Women’s College Hospital
In 2024, Women’s College Hospital hosted its first ever Pride panel, featuring esteemed panel members from the Office of Indigenous Health in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at U of T, Pride Toronto, and Family Practice Health Centre. This virtual panel explored the challenges and triumphs intersectional members of the Queer community experience within our localized health system. To view the panel, please use the link below:
The Indigenous Doctor Helping Trans Youth
Context
Alberta, Canada. Doctor James Makokis identifies as “two-spirit” – a term used by and for indigenous LGBT+ people in North America who identify with both masculinity and femininity, and which harks back to pre-colonial third gender roles. On the First Nations reservation of Kehewin Cree Nation, Dr Makokis spends much of his working life supporting other “two-spirit” people, particularly transgender teenagers, many of whom face persecution within their own communities.
One patient Alec, has been seeing the Doctor for a month now and is in the early stages of transitioning from female to male. In addition to hormone therapy the treatment sees Dr Makokis utilise traditional indigenous teachings, drawing Alec away from depressive feelings and towards self-acceptance. This sense of inclusivity and belonging is encapsulated by a two-spirit sweat and talking circle hosted by Dr Makokis. Two-Spirit attendees share their stories in the warmth of a teepee and a new community is formed.
Rainbow Health Ontario’s 2SLGBTQ Health in Focus podcast is a podcast features interviews with experts in the field, to share knowledge about health and health care systems and 2SLGBTQ folks. A list of their episodes can be found below, and all episodes can be accessed here.
Episode 1: The Current State of 2SLGBTQ+ Medical Education
Episode 2: Rural Health for 2SLGBTQ+ Patients and Providers
Episodes 3 & 4: Countering Anti-Trans Hate for Healthcare Providers
Episode 5: Cancer Screening for 2SLGBTQI+ Communities
Episode 6: Intimate Partner Violence in 2SLGBTQ+ Relationships
In Dialogue
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Episode 16 of the podcast, Transforming Health: Inclusive, Personalized Care, Features Dr. Jordan Goodridge, a family physician specializing in 2SLGBTQIA+ health and HIV care. Dr. Goodridge speaks about creating inclusive spaces; continuous learning to better support all patients; and individualizing care for better health outcomes.
Instagram
Delia Sosa is an intersex, transgender, nonbinary, and gendfluid medical student, activist, and educator. Their work focuses on creating inclusive, accessible, intersectional spaces for trans and intersex people. You can view their content on Instagram @enbydelia
Many children and youth need loving, supportive foster parents and families to provide a safe place when they can’t live at home. Dilico foster parents come from all ages, backgrounds, and a variety of life stages. They are caring, loving, team-orientated individuals who lead healthy lifestyles and are committed to making a positive difference for a child.
It takes a community to raise a child.
Learn more about how to become a foster parent on July 7 when staff from Dilico Anishinabek Family Care will be on site to provide a presentation and answer your questions.
When: July 7, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.
Where: In-person in ICP Main Room 2171 OR via WebEx
If attending in person, please RSVP by Thursday, July 3 to Michelle Towell at michelle.towell@tbh.net or extension 6527.
Thank you to those who have completed the HSO Global Workforce Survey and congratulations to this week’s prize winners:
Kristine, Health Records – $50 Gift Card to Gear Up for Outdoors Miao, Payroll – $50 Gift Card to Waterfront District Jody, Stroke Program – $50 Gift Card to Cheese Encounter
Don’t miss your chance to win one of our weekly prizes, including 6 months free parking
Once you have completed the survey, use the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HSO to enter into the prize draws (your name will stay in for the remaining draws).
A reminder that the survey closes July 18, 2025, or until a minimum response rate of 50% is achieved.
Read about the incredible collaborations and opportunities to build the future of research in our Health Research Institute, Hospital, and region in the 2024-2025 TBRHRI Annual Report.
Ontario is supporting access to health care in northern and rural Ontario by investing nearly $1,228,440 to expand the capacity for nursing programs at Confederation College in Thunder Bay.
“This investment is truly needed in our region. The addition of 50 seats to Confederation College’s Practical Nursing program will help train and graduate more nurses right here in the North,” said The Honourable Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan. “This will directly support our local health care organizations that are facing staffing shortages. As health care needs continue to grow, increasing the number of trained professionals will help reduce staff burnout and improve the overall quality of care in our communities.”
This funding will help increase enrolment and create new clinical placement opportunities by adding 50 new nursing seats at Confederation College.
“By investing in education and training for nurses, our government is protecting Ontario and building on our progress to grow our nursing workforce for years to come,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This investment will help ensure families can connect to the care they need no matter where they live, while also supporting the next generation of health-care professionals.”
“Expanding our Practical Nursing program with funded, and fast-track seats is a critical step in addressing the healthcare human resource needs across northwestern Ontario,” said Michelle Salo, President of Confederation College. “This investment allows more students to receive high-quality, hands-on training close to home, while also ensuring our communities benefit from a growing pool of skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals ready to serve in a faster time frame, thanks to the condensed program structure.”
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government continues to take bold and decisive action to grow the province’s highly skilled health care workforce and ensure people and their families have access to high-quality care closer to home for generations to come.
Quotes
“This investment in nursing education at Confederation College is both timely and essential, responding to immediate need for a highly-skilled nursing workforce to meet the rich and diverse needs of Thunder Bay and region. We are proud to be a longstanding partner in providing meaningful placement experiences that translate to rewarding careers for nurses.” – Janine Black, President & CEO, St. Joseph’s Care Group
“Today’s announcement to add training spaces at Confederation College is a huge boost to our region. As health care needs continue to evolve and grow, investments to enhance the workforce will better equip our system to work collaboratively to address the needs of patients across all levels of care.” – Dr. Rhonda Crocker-Ellacott, President and CEO of TBRHSC and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute.
“The announcement of the additional 50 seats in the Registered Practical Nurse program at Confederation College marks a pivotal step forward in addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in our long-term care facilities. This initiative not only reflects our shared commitment to improving the quality of care for our seniors but also highlights the importance of investing in our workforce, ensuring that we have the qualified individuals necessary to meet the demands of our aging population.
MPP Holland, your advocacy for long-term care has not gone unnoticed. Your tireless efforts and commitment to this sector have made a tangible difference in the lives of many Ontarians. By championing this program, you are helping to equip our future healthcare providers with the skills and knowledge they need to deliver compassionate and high-quality care.” – William Kunka, Regional Director at Southbridge Care
QUICK FACTS
The government is investing $56.8 million over the next three years to support an enrolment increase of nursing spaces at publicly assisted colleges and universities by over 2,200 registered and registered practical nurses and nurse practitioners. In addition, this funding will support continued investments in innovative, flexible, online nursing pathways.
Since 2018, Ontario has seen a record-breaking number of new health care professionals join the workforce, adding nearly 100,000 new nurses with another 30,000 nurses currently studying at Ontario colleges and universities.
On December 4, 2023, the Nursing Act, 1991 was amended to allow RNs in Ontario to prescribe specific medications and to communicate a diagnosis for the purpose of prescribing.
Since expanding the role of registered nurses to prescribe medications, 671 registered nurses have completed the training and are authorized to prescribe.
Ontario is investing $743 million over three years to continue to address immediate health care staffing needs, as well as to grow the workforce for years to come.
Shared on behalf of Leona Kakepetum Director Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion
We are pleased to announce that Annette Klement’s role has officially evolved from Cultural Safety Educator to Traditional Wellness Coordinator. In her expanded position, she will continue to perform her previous responsibilities, including developing and delivering cultural safety education and supporting Indigenous Spiritual Care. Additionally, she will now also respond directly to patient Traditional Spiritual Care requests, ensuring holistic and culturally appropriate support.
Annette will report to the Director, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion. In this capacity, she will work collaboratively with all departments to promote culturally safe care, improve health delivery, and advance equity outcomes for Indigenous Peoples across the organization.
She is located in the Spiritual Care offices on Level 2, Room 2011. You can reach her via email at Annette.Klement@tbh.net, by phone at 807-684-6937, or through patient referrals in Meditech for spiritual care.
Due to the Cultural Safety Educator funding opportunity coming to an end, the email “TBRHSC.CulturalSafetyEducator@tbh.net” email will no longer be monitored after a short turnover period.
Please join us in congratulating Annette on this exciting advancement. We look forward to her continued contributions in fostering respectful, culturally safe, and holistic care for Indigenous patients, families, and communities.
Congratulations to the amazing team from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on being recognized at this year’s OAMRS Awards!
The Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS) held its annual awards reception in Toronto on May 23, 2025.These awards celebrate the best in medical radiation sciences, and the OAMRS Awards give professional and prestigious recognition to MRTs and DMSs who deliver exceptional healthcare. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) had multiple award recipients:
Kasey Etreni – 90th Anniversary Diamond Award
(L-R) Greg Toffner MRT(R) President and CEO of OAMRS, Kasey Etreni – 90th Anniversary Diamond Award winner, and Stephanie Shiplo, DMS Chair of the OAMRS Board.
Kasey Etreni, a seasoned Radiation Therapist with over 35 years of dedicated service at TBRHSC, is the recipient of the prestigious OAMRS 90th Anniversary Diamond Award. Throughout her career, Kasey has consistently demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, and advocacy. As a Charge Therapist, she was instrumental in implementing streamlined workflows and patient-centered protocols that continue to benefit her department today. Her calm demeanor, strong mentorship, and collaborative spirit have made her a trusted leader among peers and a role model for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Beyond the walls of the Hospital, Kasey’s impact is just as profound. She has served on numerous boards and committees, helping to shape healthcare policies at both the regional and provincial levels. Now an elected Thunder Bay City Councilor, Kasey continues to advocate for public health, healthcare access, and social equity. Her volunteer efforts with organizations like Camp Quality and local youth hockey teams further demonstrate her unwavering commitment to community service. Kasey’s legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and meaningful change both in healthcare and in the community she proudly serves.
Alexa Chesky – Recent Graduate Award
Alexa Chesky, a recent graduate working at TBRHSC, has already made a meaningful impact in her department. Known for her positivity and adaptability, she not only supports her team by taking on extra shifts but also acts as a knowledgeable preceptor for new students. Her contributions extend beyond the clinical needs, she has helped streamline communication across multidisciplinary teams, improving patient care delivery and departmental efficiency.
Recently trained as an Interventional Radiology technologist, Alexa quickly became an integral asset to the IR team. Her commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and patient care excellence highlights her outstanding promise as a rising professional in the field of medical radiation sciences.
Michelle Opaski – Practitioner of the Year Award
Michelle Opaski, a dedicated Mammography Technologist with 19 years of service at TBRHSC, has been awarded the OAMRS Practitioner of the Year for her exceptional clinical skills, patient-centered care, and commitment to advancing diagnostic imaging services. Michelle is known for her calm, empathetic presence, creating a safe and reassuring environment for patients—many of whom are undergoing stressful procedures like breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Her consistent professionalism and compassion have made her a valued colleague and a trusted caregiver to patients.
One of Michelle’s most impactful roles is her involvement with the Screen for Life Coach program, a mobile cancer screening unit that travels to rural and remote Indigenous communities throughout Northwestern Ontario. Through this work, she helps break down barriers to healthcare access, ensuring vital screenings reach underserved populations. Michelle is also a dedicated mentor, taking the time to train and support new technologists while promoting continuous learning within her team. Her tireless advocacy for equitable care and early detection is saving lives and setting a powerful example of how one healthcare professional can make a lasting difference in both the system and the communities it serves.
To learn more and to see other award winners, click here.
The 2025-2026 schedule is now live! To register for a session, click HERE.
We are pleased to invite all staff to take part in our new cultural safety training session titled, “Repairing the Sacred Circle: An Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Education Primer”.
The session will introduce participants to an insightful way of thinking about truth and reconciliation. It will be a reflective pathway for cross-cultural discussion and an entry point to create the necessary change for awareness and inclusiveness within Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Participants will be introduced to concepts such as colonization, race and racism, common stereotypes, and how these contribute to health inequities for Indigenous Peoples within the current healthcare system.
This is a free training session, there is no cost to attend. The session is 3 hours long and takes place in-person. We encourage all staff (including students, residents, volunteers, and PFAs) to participate and look forward to seeing you there.
