Fire -- LNN

By Connor Gunn

$4.5 million going towards mental health treatment for Alberta first responders

Aug 11, 2020 | 2:43 PM

EDMONTON, AB– Alberta firefighters, police officers, paramedics, sheriffs, corrections officers, and emergency health-care workers will soon be able to receive mental health supports to manage post-traumatic stress.

Being the first line at many horrific events can wear down a person over time. The Government of Alberta is recognizing that and providing $4.5 million to support whatever they may need.

Grants totalling $1.5 million per year will be awarded to non-profit organizations and researchers working to improve first responder mental health.

The province says applications to the Supporting Psychological Health in First Responders grant will be open until Sept. 20.

Over the span of 4 years, 2014-2018, there were 450 Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) claims for first responders related to post-traumatic stress injuries.

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Minister of Labour and Immigration, Jason Copping, says supports are needed now, rather than later.

“First responders put their lives on the line every day to protect Albertans and we are committed to ensuring services and treatments are available to treat and prevent post-traumatic stress injuries.”

“This grant program will fund non-profit organizations and researchers to improve the programs and ensure supports are available.”

The following are Alberta’s first responders tally:

• More than 14,000 full-time, part-time, casual and volunteer firefighters, About 80 per cent are volunteers.
• More than 7,500 police officers.
• More than 9,400 paramedics.
• More than 770 sheriffs.
• More than 1,500 corrections officers.

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