Ontario government investing $32 million into first responders’ mental health support program

Nov. 20, 2024, Ontario — The government of Ontario is investing $32 million into a specialized mental health support program designed for first responders and public safety personnel.

The Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program (MHS4PSP) builds off elements of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness, and will provide specialized services for firefighters, police officers, correctional workers, paramedics and others who support Ontario’s public safety system.

It will include a web portal for public safety personnel to access core services, including internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy and peer-support tools, and additional programs and services, including a 24/7 call-line, the province reported in a press release.

“First responders and public safety personnel have our backs every day and we will always have theirs,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner in a media statement. “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.”

Warrior Health was selected as the vendor to design and deliver the services and programs for the MHS4PSP program.

MHS4PSP will also support the creation of an anti-stigma strategy designed to remove potentially harmful stigmas around asking for help.

The goal for the strategy is to help create work environments where people feel confident to seek mental health support and will include a website with mental health resources specific to public safety personnel, a leadership support network, training and recommended mental health practices for organizations.

“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,” said Greg Horton, president of the Ontario Association of Professional Firefighters, in a press release.

“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,” he said.