To help improve access to mental health support for first responders, the provincial government of Ontario is investing $1 million in a new mental care facility.
The funding will go to the new Runnymede Healthcare Centre’s First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Rehabilitation Treatment and Assessment Centre in Peel Region. It will have two facilities that will offer comprehensive mental health rehabilitation programs to first responders in the Greater Toronto Area, which include firefighters, paramedics, nurses, and police officers.
In addition to offering specialized services such as assessments, intensive treatment and aftercare, the new mental health centre also offers high-quality care to first responders in need of substance use treatment, as well as virtual care services and 24/7 crisis support.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve relied on Ontario’s heroic first responders and nurses more than ever before,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We know it has taken a tremendous toll on them and it’s our duty to ensure that they have access to the best mental health care available. This centre is the first of its kind and will give our first responders the specialized, best-in-class treatment that they need and deserve.”
According to an official release from the province, Ontario’s healthcare system currently does not offer mental health supports and treatments that are geared to the specific needs of first responders.
“Ontario’s first responders and nurses put their lives on the line to be there in our time of need, and just as they are there for us, we need to be there for them,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott.
Citing the latest data, Ontario said that over 13,000 first responders are suffering from PTSD; that number is expected to grow to more than 16,000 by 2040. The government has also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the mental health challenges of first respondents.
Ontario also recently announced that it would provide local businesses affected by the four-week protests in Ottawa a total of $11.5 million in financial support. Businesses eligible for the program can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to help pay for non-deferrable operating expenses incurred during the occupation.
