Northumberland Paramedics have been awarded $25,000 through the Ontario Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel (MHS4PSP) Grant Program. This provincial support expands paramedic access to mental health resources tailored specifically for first responders.
“We appreciate the Province’s investment in the mental wellbeing of first responders,” states Northumberland Paramedics Chief Susan Brown. “This support helps us continue building a workplace culture where asking for help is normalized and where proactive mental health care is treated as an essential part of being prepared for the job. By staying ahead of these challenges, we can better support our team and the community they serve.”
Across Ontario, the provincial government is investing $32 million to enhance specialized mental health services for first responders and public safety personnel. Locally, this funding will enable Northumberland Paramedics to expand a range of internal wellness initiatives, including enhancement of peer-support training, leadership development, wellness-focused programming, and education aimed at reducing stigma around mental health. These offerings are intended to build resilience, reinforce mental health literacy, and equip staff with effective tools for navigating the pressures associated with emergency response work.
“On behalf of County Council, I want to extend our appreciation to the Province for this investment in the wellbeing of our first responders,” says Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander. “Our paramedics face challenging and often traumatic circumstances in service to our community members.
This funding is another opportunity to ensure they have access to the mental health tools and supports they need to recover from difficult calls, stay well, and continue providing exceptional care.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
