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First Responder Mental Health Program Expanded to First Receivers and Family
Alberta first responders are critical to the protection of communities by saving lives, protecting resources, and maintaining order – often at risk to self. First responders can, at increasing frequency and severity to other members of the general public, be repeatedly exposed to traumatic experiences in stressful situations which can take a significant toll on their mental health and that of their families.
AMHSA's innovative mental health program is evidence-based, Alberta-specific, and customized for rural first responders. The program provides first responders living with or at risk of post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) with access to FREE Mental Health Commission of Canada training and PTSI resources. Training can be delivered in either virtual or in-person format, and it is supported by tools and content on the Espri by TELUS Health mobile app including self-paced MHCC booster training.
With funding from the Government of Alberta, the Rural First Responder Mental Health program has now expanded to include fire services, emergency health care workers, law enforcement, paramedical personnel, and first responders in indigenous communities. Our program is the first of its kind to extend free mental health training and resources to family members of first responders who have participated in the training.
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