LPS held workshop to support the mental health of first responder families
Heidi Echavarria- 0
- 1 minute read
Spouses, family members and first responders from Lethbridge Police and Fire and Emergency Services took part in a special workshop designed to provide strategies to strengthen family relationships and communication, enhance mental well-being.
The ‘Getting Better Together’ workshop was held this Thursday by the Lethbridge Police Service, in partnership with the Diversified Rehabilitation Group, at Lethbridge Trade and Convention Centre.
Derek Sienko, Chief Mental Health Officer of Diversified Rehabilitation Group, says the session also aimed to build a better understanding of operational stress injuries, psychological effects that can result from high-stress, trauma-exposed professions like policing and emergency response.
According to 2024 data from the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment, approximately 44.5% of Canadian public safety personnel screen positive for one or more mental health disorders, including 23.2% who screen positive for post-traumatic stress disorder.
