First responders getting mental health clinic of their own

When most of us go to work in the morning, there's little chance of facing a life-alteringtraumatic event.

But if you're a firefighter, police officer or paramedic, the odds you'll witness something terriblerisedramatically.

That's why mental health professionals in Ottawa are creating a first-of-its-kind, research-based clinic to help first responders deal with the workplace hazards that can cause post-traumatic stress, depression or suicide.

This project is a major stepping stone in the right direction.- Anthony Di Monte, GM, emergency and protective services

"First responders face a much greater risk of mental health issues and suicide than the general population, and they also face particular challenges in accessing support," saidDr. SimonHatcher, the Ottawa Hospital psychiatrist who steered the study that set the stage for the clinic.

Set to open 2019, the clinic is beingdesigned, in part, by the people who will use it police, paramedics and firefighters were consulted about how they want theirmental health services delivered.

"Our new research-based mental health clinic will establish and test a customized assessment program which could be a model for others to use," Hatcher said.

Higher rates of depression, suicidal thoughts

According to the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment, 45 per cent of first responders in Canada have symptoms consistent with at least one mental health disorder. That's thought to be about four times higher than in the general population.

A related study found 28 per cent of first responders in Canada have experienced suicidal thoughts, about double the rate among the general population.

Ottawa's former paramedic chief, Anthony Di Monte now the city's general manager of emergency and protective services is welcoming the specialized clinic.

"This project is a major stepping stone in the right direction, and we are pleased to be working with partners that share our vision to provide emergency personnel with the support they need," Di Monte said.

Funding for the clinic, which will initially be able to serve about 40 clients,comes from the federal government's Canadian Safety and Security Program andthe Ottawa Hospital. The City of Ottawa.is providing in-kind support for the clinic.