Earlier last week myFM told you that Ontario is launching a new mental health program for first responders. The province says the Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program will provide help for police officers, correctional workers, paramedics and firefighters. We talked with Director of Paramedic Services for Middlesex-London EMS Adam Bennett who is pleased with this announcement.
The $32-million program will include a 24-hour call line and a web portal for services such as internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy and peer support. Bennett says these issues with first responders are not one offs, they are regular.
He adds, the key is that first responders need to understand that there are ways to ask for help and the availability should be 24-7.
The province is also creating an anti-stigma strategy to make it easier for public safety workers to ask for help.
Written by: C. Soares