Helping Mental Health Patients Stay Safer – In Hospital and Beyond

Because of your generosity, our hospital’s mental health staff have new tools to help patients stay safe—during their stay and when they return to the community.

Talking about things like safer sex and drug use can be hard, but Nicole Fields and Anika Kroeker, Clinical Educators in Victoria Hospital’s Mental Health program knew these were important conversations.

The team curated a collection of resources including short videos and printed guides. These tools were then paired with one-on-one chats with front-line staff.

Thanks to your support, take-home kits were also developed and shared with patients when they left the hospital, as well as with those in Victoria Hospital’s outpatient program. Each kit includes internal and external condoms, lubricant, and dental dams, along with Naloxone kits and safer injection supplies.

These supplies help stop the spread of infections like HIV and hepatitis, reduce overdoses, and remind patients that they are cared for without judgement.

“This initiative is now the largest harm reduction effort of any mental health program in Shared Health or Winnipeg Regional Health Authority,” said Kroeker. “And it’s working—staff feel more confident, and patients feel more supported.”

By providing these supplies, you are improving patient care, building trust, and reducing healthcare costs by preventing infections, complications, and overdoses.

Thanks to your generosity, we’re creating a safer, more respectful environment where healing can happen. Thank you for being part of this important change.