We are happy to announce a funding extension agreement has been reached with the Public Health Agency of Canada

The Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) is pleased to announce a funding extension agreement has been reached with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

The original PHAC funding initiative Addressing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in those most affected by COVID–19 has supported numerous efforts to help offset the mental health challenges associated with the pandemic. With the original funding set to have expired in March 2023, we are excited by the ongoing work that further funding will provide.

Dr. Leslie Anne Keown, Executive Director of CIPSRT, had this to say about the announcement: “I am sincerely grateful to PHAC for their vision, dedication, and support for these important projects that will benefit Public Safety Personnel, other frontline workers, and their families for years to come. This kind of support has created immeasurable positive impacts for so many people who continue to serve and protect all Canadians.”

The PHAC-funded projects that received extension funding with CIPSRT are as follows:

• Addressing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma in Those Most Affected by COVID–19: Knowledge Development and Exchange Hub—Canadian Institute for Pandemic Health Education and Response (CIPHER).
  Nominated Principal Applicant(s): Carleton, R. N., Heber, A.
  Co-Applicant(s): King, D., Middlemiss, N.

• Addressing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma in Those Most Affected by COVID–19: An Ecosystem of Proactive and Responsive Resources and Supports for Public Safety Personnel Families (PSPNET Families)
  Nominated Principal Applicant(s): Hadjistavropoulos, H. D.
  Co-Principal Applicants: Cramm, H., Reid, N.
  Co-Applicant(s): Sekhar, S., Beahm, J. D., Delaney, L., McCall, H. C.

• Addressing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma in Those Most Affected by COVID–19: Expansion and Evaluation of the Before Operational Stress Program (BOS).
  Nominated Principal Applicant(s): Carleton, R. N., Maguire, K. Q.
  Co-Applicant(s): Ioachim, G.

• Addressing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma in Those Most Affected by COVID–19: Advancing Peer Support Programming to address PTSD and Trauma Among Canadian Public Safety Personnel and Veterans—Stream 1—National Peer Support Community Network (PSCN).
  Nominated Principal Applicant(s): Carleton, R. N.
  Co-Applicant(s): Price, J., Hosseiny, F., Tracey, S., Lamrock, L., Bradley, K., Dupuis, G., Notarianni, M.

• Addressing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma in Those Most Affected by COVID–19: Advancing Peer Support Programming to address PTSD and Trauma Among Canadian Public Safety Personnel and Veterans—Stream 2—PeerOnCall Peer Support m-Health Apps.
  Nominated Principal Applicant(s): Moll, S.
  Co-Applicant(s): Czarnuch, S., MacPhee, R., Ricciardelli, MacDermid, J., K., King, D., Carleton, R. N.

• Addressing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma in Those Most Affected by COVID–19: Advancing Peer Support Programming to address PTSD and Trauma Among Canadian Public Safety Personnel and Veterans—Stream 3—Online Repository of Mental Health Services for PSP and Veterans (pspmentalhealth.ca).
  Nominated Principal Applicant(s): Carleton, R. N.
  Co-Applicant(s): Price, J., Hosseiny, F.
  Collaborator(s): Mercier, J., Dupuis, G., Benlamri, M., King, D., Notarianni, M.

• Addressing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma in Those Most Affected by COVID–19: Training and Development Program for Public Safety Personnel.
  Nominated Principal Applicant(s): Carleton, R. N.
  Co-Applicant(s): McCarron, M., Werrett, R.

“Throughout the pandemic and into our recovery, frontline workers have sacrificed so much to keep us healthy and safe. Many of them still experience mental health challenges, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression–and they deserve our support,” said the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Associate Minister of Health. “With this extension of funding, our government is helping create new tools to support frontline workers most at risk of PTSD and encourage their healing process, all while reducing stigma and removing barriers to care. Thank you to CIPSRT and all frontline workers for your continued commitment and dedication to caring for our communities!”

CIPSRT would also like to acknowledge the work done in collaboration with the universities and other organizations across Canada to ensure the success of these projects. Without their sizeable and significant contributions, the ongoing success of these projects would not be possible. Thanks to: the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families; the Families Matter Research Group; the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland; McMaster University; Memorial University of Newfoundland; Queen’s University; the University of Regina; Veterans Affairs Canada; Wayfound Mental Health Group; Western University; and Wilfrid Laurier University.

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