The government of Ontario is launching an integrated support program to help people who suffer from work-related stress and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Ontario Provincial Police officers and their families will be at the centre of the program.

“The unique challenges and demands our brave men and women in uniform experience on the job when protecting our communities can have a severe impact on their mental health and emotional well-being,” said Sylvia Jones, minister of community safety and correctional services, in a press release. “The commitment we’re making today, in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police Association, will address a mental-health crisis in the OPP.”

Read: Majority of Canadians suffering from a mental-health issue, sleeping disorder: survey

The new program is aimed at ensuring OPP personnel can remain healthy to do their jobs, noted the release. It will feature an integrated emergency network designed to provide:

  • A one-stop approach to care so individuals are connected to appropriate mental-health supports and services easily and quickly;
  • Confidential and personalized experience throughout with continuous support and guidance; and
  • Access to employee and family assistance programs, children and seniors-focused support services, tele-health support, crisis intervention specialists, such as registered nurses or psychiatrists, and mental-health treatment facilities.

Read: WSIB shares experience implementing PTSD legislation

“On a regular basis, our members are asked to willingly subject themselves to traumatic events,” said Rob Jamieson, president of the OPPA. “The resources currently in place to assist our members and their families are insufficient to address the mental-health crisis that currently exists in the OPP.

“This integrated and comprehensive mental-health program, fully funded by the government and run by the OPPA, represents a first step in addressing the single largest issue facing our active and retired members.”