Wildfire Response: WRHA Supports for Staff

Wildfire Response: WRHA Supports for Staff

The Manitoba government declared a state of emergency on May 28, 2025 in response to the wildfire situation across our province. 

We have been working with the government, Shared Health, the other health regions, the City of Winnipeg and other partners to coordinate the safe relocation of hospital patients and long-term care residents from Flin Flon and other jurisdictions. As of May 29, Riverview, Deer Lodge, Concordia, St. Boniface and Grace Hospital have welcomed several people into their care. 

Here is a list of resources available for staff and patients, clients or residents. 

Volunteer icon

Volunteer or Donate to Support Evacuees

As many of you are aware, the ongoing wildfires in Manitoba have had a devastating impact on several communities and the lives of thousands of our fellow Manitobans.

We are getting a number of questions from staff about ways to help beyond our day to day work – specifically the need for volunteers and donations. WRHA Volunteer Services have created this very helpful guide of volunteer and donation opportunities in support of the wildfire relief efforts underway.

This is a guide for those looking for other ways to help and there is no expectation of participation, however if you’re interested, this list provides ways to direct your desire to help to where it’s needed most right now.

Read more

Health Links - Info Sante logo

Health Links – Info Santé

A Wildfire Health Information & Patient and Personal Care Home Relocation Line has been established to help evacuees.

Call 1-888-315-9257 (toll free) or 204-788-8200 and press 1 for assistance locating your loved ones relocated from hospitals and personal care homes in the community or to speak to a nurse about your health care concerns.

Learn more

211 Manitoba logo

211 Manitoba

211 Manitoba is offering up to date information to evacuees on the following:

  • Where do I go once I leave my home?
  • How do I register as an evacuee?
  • What is a per diem and how do I get it?
  • Where can I get clothing?

From anywhere in Manitoba, dial 2-1-1
Toll-Free: 1-855-275-1197
Email: [email protected]
For text-based help please use 211 Manitoba’s Chat

Canadian Red Cross logo

Canadian Red Cross

People who were evacuated from their community in Manitoba are encouraged to register with the Red Cross. Registration with the Red Cross ensures people can be contacted while away from home, and can be reached with information on Red Cross services and assistance that may become available to them during this difficult time.

Please register online or by calling 1-800-863-6582 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Central Daylight Savings Time.

Learn more here

Province of Manitoba logo

Province of Manitoba Wildfire Information

Health Resources for Patients, Clients and Residents

Health Services and Resource Guide for Health Providers Working with Wildfire Evacuees: https://professionals.wrha.mb.ca/files/guide-working-with-wildfire-evacuees.pdf

Indigenous Health Patient Services: https://wrha.mb.ca/indigenous-health/patient-services/ 

Manitoba Métis Federation: MMF Intake line for fire evacuees – 1-888-362-2012.

Regional Resources:  

Resources are also available to support members of the public. If you have a patient or client needing support at this time, we have several resources available:  

Resources for Staff

Safety Alert: Working Safely During Poor Air Quality Events

Mental health supports for staff:  

  • The Provincial Wellbeing Hub is a centralized mental health and psychological support for all Manitoba health care staff and had a broad range of supports available. For more please visit the Hub webpage.  
  • Staff may also connect with the Manitoba Blue Cross Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by calling 1-800-590-5553 calling or emailing [email protected]. EAP supports are available 24/7. Mental health services are covered by our benefits plan and that the HCSA can be used as well. 
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Mindfulness (CBTm) offers a tailored self-guided or facilitator-led program for health care staff and past and present First Responder Personnel to support coping with trauma, highlighting responses to stressors, and helpful vs. unhelpful responses to stress.  More information can be found by calling 204-944-7075 or visit http://www.cbtm.ca/.   

Read messages from Jane Curtis, Interim President and CEO:

Virtual Emergency Care and Transfer Resource Service (VECTRS) or 204-949-4000

Organizations accepting donations for those evacuated: