The Ontario government is investing more than $32 million to ensure first responders and public safety personnel have access to mental health supports. The new Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program (MHS4PSP) will provide specialized services for police officers, firefighters, correctional workers, paramedics and others who support Ontario’s public safety system.
“First responders and public safety personnel have our backs every day and we will always have theirs,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “This new program will ensure Ontario’s selfless heroes, who put their lives on the line daily for us, receive targeted mental health supports that match the unimaginable challenges they face.”
The Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program builds off elements of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness. The program will include:
- A web portal for public safety personnel to access core services, including internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy and peer-support tools
- Additional programs and services, such as access to a 24/7 call-line and other trauma-informed mental health services
Funds will also be dedicated to a grant for employers that will help subsidize the costs of these additional programs and services.
“Ontario is proud to be home to world-class frontline workers who go above and beyond every day to provide care and support to people and their families across the province,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This investment builds on our work through the Roadmap to Wellness to enhance access to mental health services and ensure that our first responders can connect to targeted and compassionate supports, where and when they need it most.”
The Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program will also support the creation of an Anti-Stigma Strategy designed to remove potentially harmful stigmas around asking for help. Based on the findings of the Staying visible, staying connected, for life report, the goal of the strategy is to help create work environments where people feel confident to seek mental health support. It will include:
- A website with mental health resources specific to public safety personnel
- A leadership support network
- Training to equip leaders with the skills and knowledge to support mental health in their organizations
- Recommended mental health practices for organizations
The program initiatives and the Anti-Stigma Strategy will roll out in phases. A call for applications, inviting organizations to apply for funding under the grant, will be rolled out in early 2025.
Quick Facts
- Following a rigorous selection process, Warrior Health has been selected as the successful vendor to design and deliver the services and programs for the MHS4PSP program. Warrior Health represents a group of experts with over 300 years of experience to provide specialized mental health services and research for public safety personnel and their families.
- This funding is part of the $45.2 million announced in the 2022 Budget for programs focusing on early intervention, access to specialized mental health services and creation of an online provincewide inventory of available services and supports for public safety personnel.
- Ontario is investing $3.8 billion over 10 years to fill gaps in mental health and addictions care, create new services and expand programs through Roadmap to Wellness.
- As part of Budget 2024, Building a Better Ontario, the government is building on its work through the Roadmap by investing an additional $396 million over three years to improve access and expand existing mental health and addictions services and programs.
- Ontario has invested up to $10.6 million in one-time capital funding for early capital planning to support first responders affected by work-related stress or trauma, including post-traumatic stress injury. The services are being planned for the Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Centre of Excellence for First Responders, with proposed sites located in Toronto and Caledon.
Quotes
"First responders face not only physical, but also moral and mental injury on a daily basis to keep us safe. With this new investment, we are making sure that they get the crucial mental health care supports they need and deserve."
- Michael Tibollo
Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
"It has been a difficult few years in policing, with an unprecedented number of officers dying while serving their communities, both in the line of duty and because of the line of duty. It is so important for our members and their loved ones to have access to specialized mental health support when and where they need it. That’s why investments in mental health support by the provincial government, that put specialized supports in place for police personnel and first responders, are paramount. On behalf of the Police Association of Ontario and police service members from across the province, we are thankful to the government of Ontario’s ongoing commitment to supporting the physical and mental well-being of our police service personnel."
- Mark Baxter
President, Police Association of Ontario
"Firefighters are routinely exposed to disasters and emergencies that can have a lasting impact on their mental health. Studies have shown that firefighters often struggle with mental health and PTSD at much higher rates than the general public. On behalf of Ontario’s professional firefighters, I thank the Ontario government for establishing the Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel Program. This initiative has enabled the OPFFA to offer essential Train-the-Trainer courses, which equip firefighters with the necessary tools to support their peers and continue serving Ontarians with commitment and resilience."
- Greg Horton
President, Ontario Association of Professional Firefighters
"Paramedics and other public safety personnel are there for Ontarians in their most vulnerable moments, encountering situations that put them at a high risk for PTSD and other mental health challenges that can impair their ability to work and cope with day-to-day life. A specialized resource such as this is much needed and we’re pleased to see an emphasis on destigmatization as we know that is a major barrier to our peers seeking help."
- Chief Greg Sage
President, Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs
"On behalf of our Warrior Health consortium partners at Wounded Warriors Canada, Homewood Health, Trillium Health Partners, Boots on the Ground and CAMH, we are excited to announce this innovative new program. Collectively, Warrior Health represents over 300 years of experience and expertise and is at the forefront of research and delivery of mental health services. The service delivery model will support the province in establishing a mental health platform that is trauma-informed, culturally specific, confidential, and responsive to the unique needs of public safety organizations, public safety personnel, and their families across Ontario."
- Scott Maxwell
Chief Executive Officer, Wounded Warriors Canada