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Wildfires & Mental Health

While wildfires can devastate homes and landscapes, their effects also leave lasting impacts on the mental wellbeing of British Columbians. BCAA and the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC) are working together to help communities stay safe, connected, and resilient by investing in the mental health supports people need to prepare, recover and thrive through wildfire emergencies.

Supporting Community Mental Health Beyond Wildfires

As wildfires in BC become more frequent and severe, their effects can be felt long after the immediate threat has passed. Communities continue to face the emotional impacts of recovery, rebuilding and navigating through their experiences. To help people access the support they need and strengthen resilience together, BCAA & CMHA BC Beyond Wildfires is a multi-year commitment focused on supporting the mental wellbeing of communities affected by recurring wildfire events.

Funded by BCAA and delivered in partnership with CMHA BC and CMHA branches, the initiative invests in community-led solutions, strengthens local capacity, and expands access to mental health resources and supports. Together, these efforts help strengthen the mental wellbeing of communities across BC.

BCAA supporting community Mental Health beyond Wildfires

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Community Grants

Funding community-led resilience initiatives co-designed with local communities to address gaps in mental health supports.

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Partnerships & Capacity Building

Strengthening collaboration among CMHA branches and community organizations to enhance local capacity and better meet evolving community needs.

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Public Education

Increasing awareness of the mental health impacts of wildfires and helping people connect with available resources, tools and supports.

Supporting Firefighter Mental Health

Many communities across BC rely on volunteer firefighters to keep them safe, yet access to resilience training remains limited.

As wildfire threats continue to intensify, supporting the psychological well-being of firefighters is more important than ever. Through our partnership with CMHA BC, we’re removing the barrier to access by helping to deliver the Resilient Minds® program to BC’s volunteer firefighters, equipping them with tools to build resilience and protect their mental health while they protect our communities.

Learn More or Join a workshop

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About the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division

For almost a decade, CMHA BC has supported communities through wildfire crises, witnessing firsthand their lasting mental health impacts. Through a network of local CMHA branches across the province, a wide range of innovative mental health services and supports are developed and delivered in partnership with communities.

Learn More