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Fire Fighter
Wellness Program

Upstream Mental Health

Upstream Mental Health

Program Overview

Fire Fighter Wellness Program

In 2018, we launched a groundbreaking mental health program tailored specifically for the fire service. Our mission was to overcome the long-standing challenge of helping firefighters connect with clinicians who understand the unique demands of balancing fire culture and life. Since its inception, this program has strengthened families, improved employee wellness, and, most importantly, saved lives.

Bridging the Gap with Our Occupationally Aware Clinician Network

FRH achieved this by collaborating with the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association to train and vet mental health professionals. These specialized clinicians are now known as Occupationally Aware Clinicians. These clinicians have undergone specialized training to better understand the organizational and traumatic stressors firefighters face. They also have access to a clinical lead with expertise in fire service mental health, ensuring top-tier support for our clients.

To embed these clinicians within fire culture, FRH partners with union locals and employers to provide onsite mental health services and streamlined access to care. As an independent provider, FRH gives both employers and unions confidence that their members receive gold-standard mental health care so that these leaders can focus on the operational needs of their department.

Spotting Early Signs of Distress

A core component of the FRH Fire Wellness Program is ongoing wellness monitoring. Using empirically validated psychometric tools, we provide firefighters with personalized insights, comparing their results to other Canadian firefighters. These tools capture the unique psychological hazards of the profession, enabling individuals to identify early warning signs of distress. Paired with access to our Occupationally Aware Clinicians, these tools empower members to seek early intervention and reduce the impact of psychological challenges.

Results

Currently, two cities in British Columbia participate in our program, with notable outcomes:

  • City 1: Over a five-year period (2018-present), there have been zero psychological injury claims since implementing our program.

  • City 2: After the first year, the city reported a significant reduction in sick days. Year 2 begins in spring 2025.

Financial Impact

The average psychological injury claim costs over $200,000, according to WorkSafeBC data. For employers, the total cost—including backfilling absences, lost productivity, and other factors—is approximately three times this amount.

By preventing psychological injuries, our Fire Fighter Wellness Program delivers meaningful financial savings while prioritizing firefighter health and wellbeing.