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
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.