(Dreamstime)

By David Opinko

Province announces grants to support mental health of first responders

Feb 2, 2022 | 10:25 AM

CALGARY, AB – To say that emergency first responders go through a lot is an understatement.

That is why the Alberta Government has announced $1.48-million in funding that will aid several groups in supporting the mental health of firefighters, police, paramedics, sheriffs, corrections officers, and emergency healthcare workers.

Labour and Immigration Minister Tyler Shandro says the money will be distributed through the Supporting Psychological Health in First Responders program.

“First responders and emergency healthcare workers are at greater risk for work-related mental health issues, which is why funding is being provided to organizations and researchers to improve services. First responders and emergency healthcare workers have our backs and it’s appropriate that we have their backs by providing for their mental health needs.”

Organizations receiving funding include:

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• Researchers
  • Vincent Agyapong, University of Alberta – $150,000
  • Suzette Brémault-Phillips, University of Alberta – $206,137
  • Doug Gross, University of Alberta – $49,494.50
  • Bonnie Laskewicz, University of Calgary – $209,525
  • Linda Duffett-Leger, University of Calgary – $201,614
  • Rose Ricciardelli, Memorial University of Newfoundland – $187,966
  • Dwayne Van Eerd, Institute for Work & Health – $172,820
• Service providers
  • Alberta Critical Incident Provincial Network – $99,875
  • Alberta Fire Fighters’ Association -$134,662.50
  • Edmonton Fire Rescue Services – $40,000
  • Wellness Works Canada – $31,600

These grants will support first responders and emergency healthcare workers who are living with or at risk of developing post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI).

Some initiatives include peer support and resilience training for workers and caregivers to deal with or prevent PTSI. They will also support applied research to develop and evaluate the most effective treatment options and services.

Between 2015-2019, there were 685 Workers’ Compensation claims relating to (PTSI) for first responders.

Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Mike Ellis says those claims cost $104-million, but the financial aspect is not what is important.

“The mental wellness of Albertans is a top priority for Alberta’s government. First responders and emergency healthcare workers are on the front lines every day, often foregoing their own needs to support others. They respond to and manage some of the most difficult situations in our society. Addressing post-traumatic stress injuries is an important part of supporting the health and wellness of Albertans, especially first responders.”

The second round of grants will be announced at a later date.

Alberta’s first responders include:

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