New mental health supports for first responders come amid concerning report from CMHA

A new report from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is showing a significant decline in the mental health of Canadians.

The report said overall mental health in this country has declined 3 per cent since the COVID-19 pandemic and there are 2.5 million people who can’t access the care they need.

CEO of CMHA Waterloo Wellington Helen Fishburn told 570 NewsRadio the numbers come as not a shock.

“We know that, locally, 3,700 people cannot get the lifesaving care that they need,” said Fishburn. “That number didn’t surprise me at all. It’s just a really sad reality of the lack of investments and really making sure that mental health is not just an option in health care but an actual requirement.”

She said this situation is the result of governments not prioritizing funding for mental health care, despite all the talk about the importance of it.

“Canada spends 6 per cent of its overall national health care budget on mental health and addictions. Ontario spends 3 per cent. I can tell you, we feel that locally. My own agency, CMHA Waterloo Wellington has seen one base budget increase in eleven years.”

“Inflation has increased in that same amount of time by 25 per cent. No one could run a business on that,” explained Fishburn.

She added that underfunding mental health care simply doesn’t make sense from a financial aspect given its connection to other pressing issues like homelessness and addiction.

Despite the bleak news from CMHA, the Ontario government made a positive announcement regarding the matter.

The Ford government announced plans to spend $32 million on a mental health program dedicated to first responders.

Fishburn said that is excellent news.

“Any investments into our community that bring more care for people that need it, we are absolutely thrilled. So, we welcome this announcement. We are delighted to receive it and it’s much needed for our first responders.”

The plan includes a 24-hour call line and a web portal for services like internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy and peer support. It will also feature an anti-stigma strategy, something Fishburn says is a major barrier for first responders when they face mental health challenges.

A call for applications, inviting organizations to apply for funding under the grant, will be rolled out in early 2025.