Media Advisory - Morneau Shepell experts available for commentary on how to deal with trauma and the current lockdown situation in Moncton, NB

TORONTO, June 5, 2014 /CNW/ - In light of the tragic events occurring in Moncton, New Brunswick, Morneau Shepell is offering experts to assist the media in informing residents on how to cope with the tragic situation.

There are a number of experts available for commentary on how to deal with trauma and how to cope with being in a lockdown for a prolonged amount of time. For example - how to manage updates from the authorities, how to support children in a police lockdown and ways to create short and long term plans for yourself and your family.

These experts include:

Noi Quao, Manager-Traumatic Event Support Services, Morneau Shepell

Noi Quao oversees Morneau Shepell's strategic operations of Traumatic Event Support services, providing on-site response to those that experience any kind of traumatic event. The support services provided are interventions specifically tailored to offer early support, encourage self-care and inform on next steps for those affected by the traumatic event.  In addition to providing on-site interventions and consultations, Noi and his direct staff continually develop and update a range of trauma information, support and intervention materials. The department averages 600 cases each month across North America.

Noi has has consulted on, provided or coordinated support responses to client organizations impacted by high profile incidents such as H1N1, terror attacks in Mumbai, aircraft incidents in Turkey, Brazil and Canada, and most recently, nationally covered situations in floods in Alberta and the rail accident and explosion in Lac Mégantic QC. As well he has been involved in consultations and support for catastrophic events related to situations such as the Earthquake in Haiti, the Japan Tsunami, and shooting tragedies such as Dawson College in Montreal, Aurora, CO as well as Newtown, CT.

Barb Veder is Vice President, Clinical Services and Research Lead with Morneau Shepell and has been with the company for over 19 years. Over this time, Barb has focused on the continuous improvement and expansion of Morneau Shepell's clinical services solutions and offering. In her role as a clinical leader, she has managed field counsellors both nationally and globally, ensuring consistency and a quality experience for a wide array of organizations. Further to this role, Barb leads Morneau Shepell's Digital Management team, which launched North America's first EAP Smartphone application (My EAP), led the research and writing teams that wrote Morneau Shepell's First Chat and Online Tools research reports, and serves as Clinical Editor and Advisor for the organization's WorkHealthLife Blog.

Morneau Shepell has opened its Employee Assistance Program resources to Moncton residents, regardless of whether or not they are Morneau Shepell EAP customers, during these times of need. "We have long supported employees of our clients in New Brunswick and want to offer our assistance to anyone that may be in need during this difficult time," said Stephen Liptrap, Executive Vice President, Morneau Shepell, and General Manager, Shepell•fgi.

Morneau Shepell's EAP professionals, who have experience dealing with traumatic events, are available to help.

The number to call is 1-866-833-7690

About Morneau Shepell's Employee Support Solutions

Morneau Shepell is the largest employee and family assistance program (EFAP) provider in Canada, supporting employees and their families so that they can manage work, health and life challenges. With the country's largest clinical network, the program is available around the clock and reaches over 8,000 client organizations and nearly five million Canadians. Among millions of Canadians that have access to an EFAP via their health and benefits plans, 60 per cent of those are through Morneau Shepell's program, with the Company's experts and counsellors taking over half a million calls from employees and their family members each year.

SOURCE: Morneau Shepell Inc.

Nathan Gibson
Manager, Corporate Communications
Morneau Shepell
416-571-9236