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The University of Regina (U of R) will soon be at the forefront of mental health care research thanks to almost $20 million from the Public Health Agency of Canada for five projects.
Each project explores and supports the mental health needs of Canadian frontline healthcare workers.
It is the largest one-time funding contribution in the U of R’s history.
“The University is a leader in innovative, mental health research and support in Canada and the funding we have received from the Public Health Agency of Canada will allow us to expand on our work in this critically important area,” said U of R President Dr. Jeff Keshen in a news release.
“Public safety and front line personnel provide vital, life-saving services to Canadians across the country, and we are pleased to support the, and their families, through our research and programs and addressing their mental health and well-being.”
The five projects include one that helps to mitigate the operational stress experienced by public safety personnel and will directly impact more than 600 participants. Another supports PTSD programs for veterans and those on the frontline of the COVID response.
“This federal government investment is supporting our researchers’ efforts to design, deliver, and evaluate diverse and much-needed mental-health support to Canada’s public safety personnel, front line health-care workers, as well as their leadership and families,” said Dr. R. Nicholas Carleton, the U of R professor of clinical psychology and scientific director for the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment.
“These Canadians have always supported our health and safety, and they made even more extraordinary sacrifices during the pandemic. Now, through training and treatment, we are working to provide them with the support they need.”
Public safety personnel including firefighters, border security officers, correction workers and communicators like those on 911 dispatch will be part of the research.