The challenge of mental health in fire fighters is being addressed in Algonquin Highlands. Fire Chief Mike Cavanaugh put together a policy, which he says is the first step toward a mental health program. He says it covers things like training to be mentally resilient, and how to access support. Cavanaugh says the road to mental health readiness is something that will roll out across the province in the next year.
Reeve Carol Moffatt says there have been volunteers who had to leave the department because they saw things they couldn’t get past, so this is important.
The department is also working toward a peer support program.