WOUNDED WARRIORS CANADA PARTNERS WITH OTTAWA FIRE SERVICES AND OTTAWA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
Fire Chief of Ottawa Fire Services, Paul Hutt, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to the well-being of our firefighters, front line members and their families. With Wounded Warrior Canada’s expertise in mental health support, we are now able to provide comprehensive services to our members who face the daily challenges and traumas of their duties. This partnership not only demonstrates our dedication to ensuring the physical safety of our community but also underscores our unwavering support for the mental health of our firefighters, who selflessly serve and protect. Together, we are breaking down barriers and fostering a culture of resilience and care within our department. I am confident that this collaboration will have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of our firefighters and their families.”
Echoing Chief Hutt’s sentiments, President of the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association, David Andre, added, “The Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters are proud to partner with Ottawa Fire Services and Wounded Warriors Canada. It’s estimated 30% of first responders develop behavior health conditions. This partnership will provide our members in need and their families with another option for mental health support.”
Through this partnership, Ottawa firefighters, front line members, and their families will gain access to Wounded Warriors Canada’s wide range of culturally specific mental health counselling programs, such as the Trauma Resiliency Program, Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday (COPE) program, the Spousal Resiliency Program, and Warrior Kids Camp and Virtual program. By fostering a culture of openness and support, OFS and OPFFA aim to create an environment where members feel empowered to prioritize their mental well-being without stigma or hesitation.
Scott Maxwell, Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada, emphasized the significance of collaboration in supporting first responders’ mental health, “Given the complexities of operational stress injuries, we know that no single organization can be 100 per cent solution when it comes to the mental health and wellness of its members and their families. Partnerships are vital. Together, we are working to break down barriers to accessing culturally specific mental health training and counselling support while reducing stigma for those who keep our communities safe. We look forward to working with the team at Ottawa Fire Services and the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association in the months and years to come,” said Scott Maxwell, Executive Director, Wounded Warriors Canada.”
