OPPA Announces Launch of Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program
BARRIE, ON, March 30, 2020 /CNW/ - Earlier today, Rob Jamieson, President of the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA), officially launched the Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program (Encompas). This program, fully funded by the Government of Ontario and powered by Dalton Associates, will provide OPPA members, OPP Commissioned Officers' Association (COA) members and OPP Retirees with a comprehensive and integrated network for mental health wellness care.
"This is a historic day for the OPPA and its members," Jamieson said. "Encompas represents a quantum-leap forward in mental health care for our sworn and civilian members. With this program, our members finally have access to a complete "circle of care" platform for all their mental health wellness needs. We are truly grateful that the Government of Ontario has stepped up to fund this much needed program for our membership."
The Encompas navigation model has been fashioned to be the primary point of contact, connecting OPPA members, who are currently in receipt of benefits, to mental health services across the province, inclusive of aftercare to support the member. The program provider, Dalton Associates, has secured care providers in all corners of the province, with over 150 on its roster at the launch of the program.
"The health and well-being of our men and women in uniform is a top priority for our government. Our OPP officers, 911 dispatchers, investigators, and support staff are always there when we need them most to keep us safe, and we need to have their backs too," said Premier Doug Ford. "I want to thank Commissioner Carrique, the OPPA, and Solicitor General Jones for taking the lead in developing this outstanding new program that will provide the necessary 24/7 supports to active and retired officers on their journey to mental wellness."
"The current COVID-19 outbreak is a reminder of how much we rely on frontlines and why it is so important to look after their mental health and wellbeing," said Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General. "Our government is proud to fund the OPPA's new mental health and wellness program. With these new resources, OPP officers and their families will get the support they need to address work-related stress and post-traumatic stress related issues so that they are able to continue to lead healthy, fulfilling lives and help protect our communities."
"When it comes to mental health and wellness, our brave men and women in uniform face unique challenges keeping communities across our province safe," said Peter Bethlenfalvy, President of the Treasury Board and MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. "I'm proud that our government, in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police Association, is ensuring OPP personnel and their families have access to an integrated support program when they need it. They are there for the people of Ontario, and through this initiative, we'll be there for them too."
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique stated that "increasing access to a range of health services is important to meeting the needs of our dedicated OPP members and their families. Encompas is a welcomed program that will complement the OPP's commitment to supporting the well-being of our members. The OPP looks forward to continuing to work together with the OPPA and others to build upon the support options available to our uniform and civilian members who work hard every day to keep our communities safe."
Members of the OPPA in need of mental health support can call 1-866-794-9117. This toll free number is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
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.
Backgrounder
Developed and delivered by Dalton Associates for the OPPA, in cooperation with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Government of Ontario, the Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program will provide OPPA members and their families with unprecedented access to the support they need.
Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program Highlights
OPPA, COA and Retired OPP Members
- 24/7-365 access to regulated health professional case managers who will be able to triage and connect individuals to the appropriate clinical professional services
- Experienced clinicians who have special training in law enforcement culture
- First responder treatment facilities (exclusive centres available to active and retired OPP members when referred by the clinical professionals)
- Holistic circle-of-care inclusive of aftercare services
- Specialized website with a secure portal for confidential access to wellness resources
- Tailored programs and assessment tools
- Immediate crisis support
- Distance (virtual) counselling
Eligible Dependents
- Access to an expansive list of mental health professionals in all relevant OPP locations
- Family members can call Encompas to establish a point of contact on behalf of a member who may be reluctant to reach out
- Access to aftercare resources to support the member and their family through the continuous care cycle
Dalton Associates, established in 1995, is a mental health and psychological services organization whose mission is to provide specialized mental health and wellness services that are culturally sensitive, safe, accessible, and timely, within communities throughout Ontario. Over the past two and a half decades, Dalton Associates has grown to include over 150 psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers throughout the province, all of whom have specific skills and experience to support individuals of all ages, couples and families deal with a myriad of mental health and wellness challenges. Specifically, they have worked with first responders, including police officers, for decades through their counselling and assessment services divisions, supporting them towards sustainable mental wellness at home and at work.
Useful Links
Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program – www.encompascare.ca
Dalton Associates – www.daltonassociates.ca
Ontario Provincial Police Association – www.oppa.ca
SOURCE Ontario Provincial Police Association
Media inquiries: Rob Jamieson, President, Ontario Provincial Police Association, 705-984-6772, [email protected]
Share this article