Ontario Expands Mental Health Supports for First Responders with New Facilities in Toronto and Caledon

CALEDON — The Ontario government has announced a significant investment in mental health and rehabilitation treatment for first responders affected by work-related stress or trauma, including post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). Premier Doug Ford unveiled plans to fund the construction of Runnymede Healthcare Centre’s Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Centre of Excellence for First Responders, building on a $10.7 million initial investment for early capital planning.

“We owe a huge debt to our first responders, who make incredible sacrifices every day to keep families and communities across Ontario safe,” said Premier Ford. “By investing in mental health and rehabilitation treatment for first responders provided by the dedicated team at Runnymede Healthcare Centre, we’re helping give back to our brave women and men so they can access the critical supports they need.”

The investment will fund the creation of two facilities in the Greater Toronto Area. A Toronto-based facility will focus on rehabilitative services such as mental health assessments, intensive outpatient therapy, and aftercare programs. It will also feature recreation programs to promote recovery. Meanwhile, a Caledon facility will house 40 residential beds and provide specialized treatment services tailored to first responders’ unique needs.

Once operational, these facilities are expected to serve approximately 1,500 workers annually, accommodating 41,700 visits per year. The programs will include virtual care, 24/7 crisis support, peer support, and navigation services, ensuring first responders have access to comprehensive, round-the-clock care.

We owe a huge debt to our first responders, who make incredible sacrifices to keep our communities safe.

Today, I announced that we’re supporting Canada’s first dedicated post-traumatic stress injury treatment centres for first responders in partnership with @RunnymedeHC. These… pic.twitter.com/iKbx3Ta5JD

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) January 24, 2025

“This first-of-its-kind facility will allow first responders to receive dedicated treatment for post-traumatic stress injuries and ensure they receive the critical resources they deserve while they work to keep our communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.

The project is currently in the planning and design phase, with the Ministry of Health working alongside Runnymede Healthcare Centre to finalize the details. Construction timelines will be confirmed after the planning phase and tendering process.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones emphasized the importance of this initiative in improving mental health care access. “By investing in Runnymede Healthcare Centre’s PTSI Centre of Excellence project, our government is building on our work through the Roadmap to Wellness to improve access to mental health services, ensuring our first responders can connect to targeted, comprehensive supports where and when they are needed most,” she said.

Research shows that up to 23 percent of first responders and public safety personnel experience PTSI, a significantly higher rate than the general population. These new facilities are part of Ontario’s broader “Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care” initiative, which aims to create a world-class mental health and addictions care system.

This investment marks a major step forward in ensuring first responders receive the mental health support they need while continuing to serve and protect communities across Ontario.

SOURCE Province of Ontario