Hi all,
We hold in our thoughts the Filipino community, the victims and their families, and all who were impacted by the tragic and horrific events that occurred over the weekend.
As we enter the post-incident phase, it is extremely critical for us to check in, support each other, and recognize the connection to professional care and support after the incident. We are working with the employer to extend resources to all who are affected. Dr. Kitt has been supporting the peer support team and others affected throughout the weekend and will continue throughout the coming days. They have posted additional information about these supports on E-Connect.
There are several resources available to members in addition to this, including:
For those enrolled in the extended benefits program:
Psychological support benefits can be reimbursed through Blue Cross up to $4,000.00 per year with a mental health provider. If you don’t have a provider, you can search for an occupationally aware provider through:
https://www.firstresponderhealth.org/first-responders
For members not enrolled in benefits:
Access to 6 confidentially billed sessions is available per year through these contracted providers:
- Jess Ram:
Fill out the contact us form at bottom of page:
https://jessramconsulting.com/
- ThriveLife Counselling & Wellness:
Fill Out the New Patient Form:
https://thrive-life.ca/contact-us-thrivelife-counselling/#ThriveLifeContactForm
- Kevin Lutz:
778-877-9101
- Samantha Young, Peacock Haven:
Book an appointment on the booking page:
https://peacockhaven.janeapp.com/#staff_member/1
- Vancouver Island Psychological Services:
Call intake coordinator at one of their locations 8:30am to 4:00pm, or fill out intake form:
250-727-7060 or Toll Free at 1-877-727-7060
https://www.vipsychology.ca/contact/
WorkSafeBC Critical Incident Response (CIR) Program:
For those looking for another option for critical incident support, you can access the WorkSafeBC critical incident response program through the pager service at:
- 1.888.922.3700
The CIR program will return your call between 9 am and 11 pm, seven days a week. Calls made after 11 pm will be returned after 9 am the next morning. You don’t need to make a claim to use the service, and it is free for anyone up to 3 weeks after the incident. For more information, check out this information page here: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/claims/guides/critical-incident-response-program-guidelines?lang=en
Occupational Stress Injuries:
In the coming days and weeks, here are some signs to watch for in yourself and your fellow members:
- Feeling jumpy, anxious, moody, or irritable
- Having difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or thinking clearly
- Having trouble going to places that trigger memories of the incident
- Having trouble being around people
- Having difficulty being alone
- Having sleep disturbances or nightmares
It can help to know that these are normal responses to stressful or abnormal events. If you’re experiencing any of these signs of an occupation stress injury you should take the time to file a claim with WorkSafeBC to make sure you’re covered for any wage loss benefits or additional support you may be entitled to by phone, online, and more:
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/claims/report-workplace-injury-illness/how-workers-report-workplace-injury-illness
We will continue monitoring the response, and for those involved in the incident, the employer may send more communications with more information. If you need assistance with making a claim or getting connected to a mental health professional, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support at executive@ecpbc.ca.
In solidarity,
Donald Grant
President