Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority

03/08/2026

On this International Women's Day, the NTHSSA is proud to acknowledge and celebrate every woman who supports our health and social services system – from executive leaders to staff on the frontline who provide quality health care that is culturally-safe, collaborative, and centered around continuous improvement. Today, and every day, we recognize the incredible women who are leading our organization and delivering the kind of care that Northerners need and deserve.
💞

03/06/2026

Primary health care teams in Yellowknife are made up of clinical and non-clinical staff who together have the expertise to provide the care you need.

Over time, when you book an appointment, who you see may change based on your appointment needs, but it will be with the same team – ensuring the health care provider you see already knows about you and your individual needs.

Learn more about primary care, including options for booking appointments, here: https://www.nthssa.ca/en/health-services-yellowknife-region

03/05/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡

This year’s national theme, Nourish to Flourish, highlights how food supports our health, emotional wellbeing and connections in our communities and cultures.

Visit our Nutrition Month page to learn about the theme, find activities in your region and connect with nutrition supports and resources.

Learn more: https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/food-and-nutrition/national-nutrition-month

03/04/2026

03/04/2026

Did you know the HPV vaccine is free for everyone between the ages of nine and 26?

The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. It can cause six different types of cancer and is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

There are over 200 types of HPV. Most people who have a high-risk, cancer-causing type of HPV show no symptoms until it starts to cause serious health problems. For most people, the best way to protect yourself against HPV is to get immunized against the highest-risk types.

March 4 is International HPV Awareness Day. Learn more about HPV and the HPV vaccine: https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/human-papillomavirus-hpv

03/02/2026

For more information, to request a FIT, or to opt out of the territorial screening program, email CRCscreening@gov.nt.ca, call toll free at 866-313-7989, option 6, contact your health care provider, or visit www.cancernwt.ca

03/02/2026

March is National Social Work Month, a time to honor the incredible impact social workers have across Canada. This year’s theme, “𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞”, guides us as we reflect on the evolution of social work, uplift the voices and leadership shaping our profession today, and envision the next 100 years grounded in equity, and reconciliation.

Throughout the month, we’re recognizing the professionals who walk alongside children, youth, families and communities across the NWT.

Take a moment to think of a social worker in your community and reflect on the ways they contribute to overall health and wellbeing.

02/26/2026

Congratulations to Yellowknife’s Run for Our Lives Committee for receiving a 2025 Northwest Territories Outstanding Volunteer Award! The committee earned the 2025 Outstanding Group Award for more than 20 years of organizing community events and fundraising to improve cancer care in the North.

Run for Our Lives works tirelessly to raises funds for new cancer equipment at Stanton Hospital, which helps improve diagnosis and enhance patient care for residents of the NWT and Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. Congratulations once again, and thank you for your continued support of Stanton Hospital, the NTHSSA, and clients and their families. We are incredibly grateful.

Learn more about the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards, and 2025 recipients, here: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/gnwt-honours-outstanding-volunteers-their-remarkable-impact-communities-0

Pictured below, from left to right: Sara Fullerton, Natalie Kellar, Tanya Kearney, Marta Goodwin, and Patty Olexin-Lang (Photo credit: Angela Gzowski)

02/24/2026

Empowering clients to overcome barriers and reintegrate into their preferred leisure activity is the focus of the Community Leisure Integration Program, led by Recreation Therapist Carey Fowler at Stanton Territorial Hospital.

The Community Leisure Integration Program supports clients in hospital to either learn a new leisure activity or be reintroduced to one they previously enjoyed. Through one-on-one sessions, Carey works alongside clients to motivate and boost confidence, decrease barriers, and build independence so clients can successfully engage in community leisure programs on their own.

Staff support is gradually reduced as clients gain their confidence and feel comfortable, showing increased self-confidence and self-worth, improved physical health, new social connections and reduced isolation, and greater independence.

February is Therapeutic Recreation Month. Join us in acknowledging and celebrating our great Recreation Therapy team and staff who provide this service.

02/19/2026

Creative arts are a way for people to express themselves. For residents at Łıwegǫ̀atì Long Term Care, it’s also a creative therapeutic approach. The Creative Expressions Group is a therapeutic recreation program facilitated by Recreation Therapist Tasia Walsh that runs weekly at Łıwegǫ̀atì Long Term Care in Yellowknife, offering residents an opportunity to engage in arts and creative activities like painting, drawing, printing, mixed media projects, and more.

Activities are adapted using step-by-step cues, visual examples, and modified tools to ensure accessibility for residents with varying abilities.

The group provides residents with essential peer connection and social interaction, creating an environment where they participate in a previously-enjoyed or new leisure activity and experience meaningful engagement, physical benefits like improved fine motor skills, coordination and range of motions, improved mood, increased self-esteem, and other benefits. Artwork is displayed in the home, further reinforcing identity, accomplishment, and validation.

February is Therapeutic Recreation Month. Join us in acknowledging and celebrating our great Recreation Therapy team and staff who provide this service.

02/18/2026

The NTHSSA is proud to spotlight Sonia Manuel, a Community Health Representative in Fort Good Hope.

Sonia’s commitment, compassion, and proactive approach help build trust and strengthen community wellbeing every day.

Learn more about Sonia and her role as a CHR with the NTHSSA here: https://www.nthssa.ca/en/newsroom/staff-spotlight-community-health-representative-sonia-manuel

02/13/2026

Did you know that people in need of free and essential health supplies in Yellowknife can access them anonymously by visiting Our Healthbox machines at the Yellowknife Public Library or Stanton Territorial Hospital? No ID or personal information is required. You only need to create a simple profile to get started!

Our Healthbox is an interactive vending machine that provides residents with barrier-free access to HIV self-test kits, pregnancy tests, condoms, fentanyl testing strips, naloxone kits, and other health and wellness and harm reduction resources.

Dozens of people have used the machines since they launched in 2025 to access health supplies and health and wellness information. Our Healthbox machines can also be found in Inuvik, Hay River, and Behchokǫ̀ among other communities across the country.

Learn more here: https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/our-healthbox-interactive-vending-machine