You're not alone if you have problems dealing with climate emergencies.
From wildfires and floods, to extreme weather events, such emergencies are increasingly disrupting communities and affecting people's well-being.
So, to address the profound and lasting mental health impacts of climate-related disasters, Canadian Mental Health Association branches in the Interior and northern B.C. are working closely together to create a network of support.
乌鸦传媒淲e are no stranger to wildfire, flood and heat domes in the North Okanagan and just the very thought of these climate emergencies can elevate anxiety among residents,乌鸦传媒� said Niki Zelez, director of strategic operations with CMHA Vernon and District.
乌鸦传媒淲e also know that other communities throughout the Interior are experiencing similar situations so it乌鸦传媒檚 important for CMHA branches to come together to ensure the mental well-being of our communities is a priority when emergencies occur.乌鸦传媒�
While each community is unique, there are common challenges and needs that arise during and after a climate emergency.
By sharing knowledge and having staff at all levels work closely across agencies, the CMHA collaborative is amplifying support for people乌鸦传媒檚 mental health during and after an emergency.
Key initiatives have included:
乌鸦传媒� Training 32 staff across eight branches on Psychological First Aid, special training on providing emotional support during a disaster;
乌鸦传媒� Coordinating Canadian Red Cross business continuity workshops for three branches to enhance service resilience during emergencies;
乌鸦传媒� Supporting CMHA branches in accessing post-disaster recovery grants, enabling the delivery of urgent mental health services in impacted communities including Princeton, Merritt, Quesnel, 100 Mile House, Prince George and Williams Lake;
乌鸦传媒� Delivering six provincial presentations on the mental health impacts of climate-related emergencies, reaching 700-plus attendees;
乌鸦传媒� Supporting the launch of a survey in the South Cariboo on the impacts of wildfires and extreme weather on mental health;
乌鸦传媒� Coordinating in-person emergency scenario exercises, and co-developing climate-mental health resources with key partners including the Canadian Red Cross, First Nations Health Authority, Health Emergency Management BC, Salvation Army, and United Way BC;
乌鸦传媒� Working with the Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma to inform their new resource on media reporting of and during climate emergencies that does the least harm to media professionals, impacted residents and media consumers.
As a collective, the B.C. division of CMHA and branches will continue working to build a more resilient and prepared province through times of crisis and beyond.
乌鸦传媒淐limate emergencies are a growing concern that have lasting impacts on individuals and communities 乌鸦传媒� and unfortunately B.C. has had many years of experience with their impact,乌鸦传媒� said Jonny Morris, CEO, CMHA B.C. division.
乌鸦传媒淭ogether, we are working to create meaningful supports for people who are affected, rooted in the local expertise of community branches. We are all independent non-profit agencies, but we are also all CMHAs with shared values. This is a powerful example of what we can achieve as a collective, and we are grateful for the partnership of branches across BC.乌鸦传媒�
Additional Resources:
乌鸦传媒� Coping with disaster stress;
乌鸦传媒� Emergencies are stressful: What to expect and what can help;
乌鸦传媒� Coping with an environmental emergency;
乌鸦传媒� Covering the news of climate-related disasters: keeping media professionals and the public safe.
Direct Help for Support:
乌鸦传媒� The Interior Crisis Line Network 乌鸦传媒� 1-888-353-2273;
乌鸦传媒� The Provincial Mental Health Line 乌鸦传媒� 310-6789 (no area code needed);
乌鸦传媒� The Provincial Suicide Line 乌鸦传媒� 1-800-784-2433 (SUICIDE);
乌鸦传媒� 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline - Dial or text 9-8-8.
