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By rdnewsNOW Staff

Alberta

Province announces grant program to support first responder psychological health

Mar 13, 2023 | 2:32 PM

Provincial officials say Budget 2023 is continuing the Alberta government’s support for first responders and emergency health-care workers dealing with post-traumatic stress.

Alberta’s government says it is proud to continue supporting the first responders that Albertans rely on when they need help the most. Officials say non-profit service providers and Canadian-based researchers can apply for the fourth round of funding through the Supporting Psychological Health in First Responders program. Up to $1.5 million is said to be available for the program in 2023. The application deadline is May 28.

“First responders and emergency health-care workers put their mental and physical health on the line every day to keep Albertans safe,” says Brian Jean, minister of jobs, economy and northern development. “It is vital that the government has their backs. That is why Alberta’s government is providing extra supports to help improve services and support research efforts, which will help alleviate suffering for those dealing with post-traumatic stress, so they can continue to protect and serve Albertans.”

The government says Alberta has more than 33,000 first responders and emergency health-care workers who are at greater risk for work-related mental health issues.

“We are committed to putting the right supports in place to protect the health and well-being of all Albertans,” adds Jason Copping, minister of health. “For our first responders, dealing with stressful situations can have a significant negative impact on their well-being and it is important that we invest in them to ensure they have the best supports available to do their job to the best of their abilities.”

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“When emergencies and disasters happen, we count on Alberta’s first responders to come to our aid,” notes Nicholas Milliken, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. “These everyday heroes face intense pressures on the job that can have serious consequences on their mental health, and with this new funding, our government is stepping up to support their mental well-being.”

Government officials say these grants support services such as peer support and resilience training for those living with or at risk of developing post-traumatic stress. In its first two cycles, officials say 20 non-profit and research organizations received funding from this grant. According to the government, organizations like the Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association provided access to free mental health training to first responders in rural communities.

“This grant greatly assists AMHSA in its efforts to support psychologically safe workplaces and first responders living with or at risk for post-traumatic stress injuries,” states Craig Hrynchuk, executive director, Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association (AMHSA).

“Our project expands the available number and format of free Mental Health Commission of Canada training options for rural first responder communities to support inquiries from first responders and their families.”

Provincial officials say the grants also support applied research aimed at improving treatment programs and to develop and evaluate the most effective treatment programs and services for first responders.

“This grant has enabled incredible research in support of our public safety personnel and health-care providers who work in demanding and unpredictable environments,” shares Suzette Bremault-Phillips, professor and director, Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium (HiMARC), University of Alberta.

“Innovative interventions are needed to address post-traumatic stress injuries and related conditions that can result from frequent exposure to traumatic events, and these grants support our research to develop evidence-based programs.”

The government says non-profit organizations that provide services to first responders or emergency health-care workers living with or at risk for post-traumatic stress are eligible to apply for grants. Canadian-based individuals or organizations that conduct applied research are also eligible to apply. Officials say funding amounts can vary, depending on the scope of services or research projects.

A full list of grant recipients, along with project outlines, can be found on alberta.ca. According to government officials, cycle three grant recipient information will be available in the coming weeks.