P.E.I. launches free, online mental health support program for Island public safety workers
A free, online mental health support program is now available for public safety workers on Prince Edward Island.
In a news release from the province Thursday, it says Public Safety Calls is a new bilingual mental health program designed to meet the unique needs of public safety personnel (PSP).
Those targeted for help include, correctional workers, volunteer and career firefighters, search and rescue volunteers, paramedics, police officers and public safety communicators.
"Nearly all our clients say the program was worth their time, and over 90 per cent report increased confidence in managing their symptoms from post-traumatic stress injuries, depression or anxiety," said Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos, professor of psychology at the University of Regina and director of the University of Regina’s clinical research unit, PSPNET. "It is a privilege for our team to deliver these supports to PSP and we appreciate the opportunity to extend our work to PSP in Prince Edward Island."
The province says the new confidential, evidence-based program, was developed and delivered by trained clinicians and researchers from the University of Regina’s clinical research unit, PSPNET.
“The people who serve on the frontlines of public safety perform a very valuable service. But their work can have a high emotional and mental cost. This new service can help care for these caregivers by offering mental health services that is accessible from home, or in the community across the province, so that Islanders can get the support they need, when and where they need it,” said Health and Wellness Minister Ernie Hudson.
The program uses internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) and course work to help participants overcome the mental health challenges they may develop as a result of their occupation.
“There are close to 1,300 Islanders who volunteer or who have chosen a career to serve and protect Islanders and this province. The toll this can take on their mental health has been well documented, and we need to do something to support them," said Justice and Public Safety Minister Bloyce Thompson. "Public Safety Calls, with the expertise of the PSPNET therapists, is designed with public safety partners and the traumatic events they experience in mind.”
The program will run as a two-year pilot project at no cost to eligible workers, and will provide up to 16 weeks of therapist supports and the option to take two eight-week courses.
"They will also receive secure weekly online, and phone supports from trained therapist, where they are provided individual support and are able to learn various skills and techniques to identify and manage anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress or injury," reads the release.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.