U of R receives $20 million to fund mental health projects
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) provided $20 million to the University of Regina to fund five projects in support of mental health, the largest one-time funding contribution in the University of Regina’s history.
“Canada’s frontline and essential workers have sacrificed so much to keep us healthy and safe throughout the pandemic, and they deserve our support,” said the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Associate Minister of Health in a news release.
"The investment today is so important because we are trying to get ahead of a massive series of challenges that are coming out of having leaned on a very few people across our country so hard, for so long now,” said Dr. Nick Carlton, professor at U of R and scientific doctor for the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment.
The funding will go towards:
- Expansion and evaluation of the Before Operational Stress Program
- Canadian Institutes for Pandemic Health Education and Response
- Prevention resources and supports for public safety personnel and their families
- Advancing peer support programming to address PTSD and trauma among Canadian public safety personnel and veterans
- Training and Development Program for public safety personnel
The University of Regina, along with several partners in Canada, will lead the projects.
Providing at-risk family members with mental health resources and supports is critical for addressing their needs and also supports the mental well-being of the associated public safety personnel,” said Dr. Nathalie Reid of the Trauma Research Centre (CRTC) at the University of Regina, who also co-leads one of the projects.
Throughout the pandemic, the country saw the impacts of mental health on health care providers, first responders and public safety personnel, and the hope from all involved this announcement, is that this funding shows current and future Canadians entering these fields that support is there for them.
“In funding this ever, more important research, is thanking people for their service. That this is about us keeping people well, not just patching them up when they get sick,” said Minister Bennett.
The mental health challenges were there before the pandemic, and Dr. Carlton says will be significantly felt after as well.
"And these are people who were reporting significant mental health challenges long before the pandemic and have made true sacrifices. I know paramedics for example who have gone weeks without breaks, nurses who have gone weeks without breaks, police officers who have exposed themselves to COVID."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.