In the wake of three deaths by suicide amongst its ranks, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have announced an intensive review into the organization’s mental health support system.
Collaborating with the OPP on this review, research psychologist Dr. Julie Devlin outlined a three-part approach that includes enhancing, examining and evaluating resources available to members of the OPP.
The OPP will begin by focusing on past and current mental health strategies, filling any apparent gaps. The plan will expand clinical help and anonymous wellness checks and include roundtable discussions with members, their families and additional stakeholders.
OPP commissioner Vincent Hawkes anticipates that the review will help recognize and remove any inefficiencies and barriers to accessing mental health services, these include arduous amounts of paperwork, poor access to health-care professionals or stigma in seeking help.
CMHA Ontario commends the OPP for these recent steps. CMHA Ontario remains committed to serving-those-who-serve and working with all partners to ensure access to community mental health programming and services throughout the province.
As part of this effort, CMHA Ontario’s nationwide workplace mental health program, Mental Health Works will be hosting a public webinar on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Operational Stress Injury from noon to 1 pm on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.
Visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5321339803352619265 to register for the webinar.