The province announced on Friday the creation of a Bereavement Support Program which can be utilized by families of first responders and public safety personnel who are killed in the line of duty or have died by suicide.
It’s been dubbed the Ontario Immediate Family Wellness Program and will provide compassionate assistance for grieving families of police officers, firefighters, paramedics, ambulance communications officers and adult provincial correctional services employees.
An over $3 million investment will provide those that need it with free rapid bereavement counselling for up to two years following a death.
Family members will be able to access mental health services such as crisis support, counselling and therapy by phone or online and will be delivered through a three-step care model that includes:
-Professionals who provide crisis and care planning 24 hours a day, seven days a week
-Comprehensive mental health services, including rapid access to counselling
-Proactive care that supports families regardless of location or services required
Eligible family members include partners, parents, siblings, and children.
Written by: K. Freeman
