Members of the provincial government, HiMARC, Alberta Health, and Edmonton Police discuss mental health for first responders. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Province announces funding for mental health for military and first responders

Jun 25, 2020 | 12:55 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Government of Alberta is contributing $362,000 to the Heroes in Mind, Advocacy, and Research Consortium (HiMARC).

The agency will use the money to develop web-based resources for first responders and expand clinical trials using virtual reality (VR) to treat post-traumatic stress disorder among military members and veterans.

“Many Albertans need additional mental health supports during the pandemic, but none more so than our first responders,” says Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jason Luan. “Our government is proud to support this program that seeks to provide resources and learning opportunities to help first responders and military members be ready to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice.”

For HiMARC’s VR programming, they will research exposure therapy, psychotherapy, VR imagery, and treadmill walking to treat PTSD, moral injuries, and other mental health conditions.

The online platform will include resources and resilience, building activities, and a trial of virtual group activities.

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“HiMARC aims to enhance resilience, address trauma, and mental health challenges when they arise, and facilitate successful return to work and life transitions,” says HiMARC Director Suzette Bremault-Phillips. “With support from and collaboration with the Government of Alberta and our partners, we will continue to expand our research and services to enable those who serve and have served, their families, organizations, and communities to thrive.”

The funding announcement was made following Luan and Premier Jason Kenney’s roundtable meetings with HiMARC and first responders as part of PTSD Awareness Month.