Province announces funding for Paramedic mental health initiative

Ontario is investing $199,970 to support the Paramedic Association of Canada in developing a psychological health and wellness standard that will help identify and address mental health issues for paramedics.

This project will develop, promote, and distribute resources that will be used to:

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Identify psychological hazards and possible control measures

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Increase awareness to help reduce stigma and harassment

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Increase the capacity of employers to promote the psychological health and wellness of paramedics

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Prevent psychological harm from factors in the workplace

This project is part of the $1.9 million being invested through the Occupational Health and Safety Prevention and Innovation Program (OHSPIP) that supports workplace-focused innovation projects and collaborative partnerships that lead to improvements in occupational health and safety in Ontario. Funding will support initiatives that aim to improve safety for workers, protect young and vulnerable workers, help small businesses advance their health and safety practices and support workplace mental health.

Improving occupational health and safety is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario’s history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

Quick Facts






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 The 2016-17 funding for OHSPIP is approximately $1.9 million.

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 Successful recipients’ projects strongly align with the province’s ongoing prevention priorities and build on work being completed through the Ontario’s Integrated Occupational Health and Safety Strategy.

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 Since 2003, Ontario’s annual rate of workplace injuries has dropped by more than 40 per cent, making the province’s workplaces among the safest in the world.

Additional Resources






  * 
 [
  Ontario’s Integrated Health and Safety Strategy
 ](http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/strategy.php)

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 [
  Ministry of Labour: 2015-2016 Sector Plans
 ](http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/sawo/sectorplans/index.php)

  * 
 [
  Ontario Passes Legislation to Support First Responders with PTSD
 ](https://news.ontario.ca/mol/en/2016/4/ontario-passes-legislation-to-support-first-responders-with-ptsd.html)