[News] Stronger mental health supports when emergencies strike

News release

May 7, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada

Emergencies can challenge the way people and communities cope, and the mental health impacts can be long-lasting. To help community organizations and service providers plan for and respond to these needs, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced $1.2 million to strengthen mental health and psychosocial supports in emergency settings. This announcement comes during National Emergency Preparedness Week (May 3-9, 2026).

This funding will help four organizations expand mental health and psychosocial resources and strengthen training. Recognizing that emergencies affect people differently, these organizations will deliver tailored supports for young people, older adults, first responders and other essential workers, and the broader public. Funding recipients include:

• Canadian Red Cross — $650,000 to expand Psychological First Aid training for up to 6,000 people involved with community-based organizations and service providers, and create a toolkit to help them understand mental health impacts and integrate psychosocial supports into emergency plans. 
• Jack.org — $250,000 to expand Educator Hub resources by creating classroom-ready, trauma-informed lesson plans that equip educators and youth-serving professionals to support young people (ages 14 to 25) during and after emergencies.
• McMaster University — $198,700 to build on existing mental health resources available through the Canadian Emergency Response Psychosocial Support Network (CanEMERG) by developing literacy tools and increasing awareness of these resources.
• Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (Canadian Academy of Geriatric Psychiatry) — $100,000 to develop practical, evidence-informed resources for healthcare providers and caregivers to support older adults before, during and after emergencies.

Supporting the social, emotional and psychological wellbeing of people and communities is foundational to building resilience and strengthening their ability to prevent, withstand and recover from emergencies.

Quick facts

• Psychosocial supports include non-medical supports that promote mental health and wellbeing. These supports can include helping people understand and use healthcare and community services, advocating for basic services and security, and supporting community networks, social groups, and social service organizations. These supports are most needed in the aftermath of emergencies and traumatic events.
• Canada continues to take a range of actions to support mental health and wellbeing, including in the context of emergencies. This includes supporting the development of mental health resources, providing guidance on the mental health impacts of evacuations and wildfires, as well as addressing recommendations in the 2020 Mass Casualty Commission report.
• Everyone reacts differently to an emergency. If these feelings are overwhelming or persist for a long time, reach out for help. Visit Canada.ca/mental-health to access mental health and substance use supports.