Joint announcement to address mental health crisis for all OPPA Members
BARRIE, ON, March 29, 2019 /CNW/ - Earlier today, Sylvia Jones, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, joined Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) President Rob Jamieson and members of the OPP Association team at Head Office in Barrie to announce a commitment from the Ontario Government to invest in a comprehensive mental health program for all active and retired members of the OPP Association.
"Uniform and Civilian members of law enforcement are consistently exposed to traumatic events in the performance of their duties," Jamieson said. "Many of our members, both active and retired, and their families suffer everyday in the name of keeping our province safe. This new investment allows us to take meaningful steps in addressing the mental health crisis at the OPP."
This new program, which is being fully funded by the government and run by the OPPA, will feature an integrated emergency network designed to provide:
- A one-stop approach to care so individuals can be connected to the most appropriate mental health supports and services as easily and quickly as possible.
- A confidential and personalized experience from beginning to end with continuous support and guidance throughout the process.
- Access to employee and family assistance programs, children and seniors-focused support services, tele-health support, crisis intervention specialists such as registered nurses or psychiatrists and mental health treatment facilities.
"This new plan will enhance all currently available resources and provide our Members with the support that they need and expect", said Jamieson. "With this funding announcement, the Provincial Government has made a clear commitment to the mental health of our members by allowing us to deliver an integrated and comprehensive mental health program to our active and retired civilian and uniform members, as well as their families."
Responsibility for procurement of this program will fall to the OPPA, through a process which follows government-approved guidelines. That process will begin in the near future and an anticipated launch date will be announced in the coming months.
"This is a momentous day for our membership. Our heroes will finally have the easy access to a total "circle-of-care" solution that provides mental health care on both a proactive and reactive basis," Jamieson said. "We are grateful to our partners in government for showing bold and decisive leadership in the face of a mental health crisis."
About the Ontario Provincial Police Association
Headquartered in Barrie, the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) acts as the bargaining agent for its nearly 10,000 Uniform and Civilian members. Of equal importance, the OPPA serves as the voice of its members in advocating for improved health and safety standards and better supports for members suffering from operational stress injuries.
SOURCE Ontario Provincial Police Association
Media inquiries: Rob Jamieson, President, Ontario Provincial Police Association, 705-984-6772, [email protected]
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