Provincial funding is giving a boost to mental health supports for first responders.
The $32 million Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program will provide specialized services for police officers, firefighters, correctional workers, paramedics and others who support Ontario’s public safety system.
This funding is part of $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.
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, and 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.
