$90,000 to Support Mental Health Services for First Responders
November 6, 2025NIPISSING — Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing $90,000 to three local first response services through the Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel (MHS4PSP) program. This funding will provide specialized supports and more for our police services, fire services, and emergency health services, ensuring those who protect Nipissing have the help they need, when and where they need it.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is investing $90,000 to support first responders here in Nipissing,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Through the Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program, we are making sure that first responders from Nipissing have access to tailored mental health supports so they can continue to protect our communities with strength and resilience.”
Local funding includes:
- $30,000 to the North Bay Police Service
- $30,000 to the City of North Bay
- $30,000 to the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB)
“We are grateful to the Government of Ontario and MPP Vic Fedeli for recognizing the importance of supporting the mental health and wellness of our members. Through the Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel Grant program, we can advance our wellness initiatives and close the gaps our members face in accessing resources and timely, meaningful support. Guided by our Wellness Model, our plan focuses on resilience, prevention, intervention, crisis management, and return-to-work support. Investing in wellness is critical to the long-term effectiveness and resilience of our Service; it strengthens the entire organization, and ultimately benefits the community we serve.” – Chief Longworth, North Bay Police Service.
The Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program builds off elements of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness. The program includes a web portal for public safety personnel to access core services, with internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy and peer-support tools. As well as additional programs and services, such as access to a 24/7 call-line and other trauma-informed mental health service.
First responders and public safety personnel are at a higher risk of experiencing occupational stress injuries because of routine exposure to traumatic events while responding to emergencies. The experiences of first responders and public safety personnel can impact everyone around them, including colleagues, family members and friends. Understanding the importance of mental health can help you recognize early signs and risks to mental health and wellbeing. Providing resources to serving and retired first responders, public safety personnel and their families may be an effective option in supporting a person’s mental health and wellbeing.
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario is investing $3.8 Billion over 10 years to fill gaps in mental health and addictions care, create new services and expand programs through Roadmap to Wellness.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION