PAA’s Disaster Response Network is Now Actively Supporting Albertans Impacted by Wildfires and Evacuation Orders

With Alberta now in another wildfire season, residents are increasingly being impacted by temporary evacuations and local emergencies. The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) has once again officially activated its Disaster Response Network (DRN) to provide free counselling support to any Albertan impacted by wildfires needing mental health services.

The DRN includes volunteer registered and provisional psychologists experienced in emergency and crisis intervention. DRN volunteers are prepared to offer up to three (3) free confidential counselling sessions to individuals, first responders, and community members facing mental health impacts from wildfire-related evacuations, property loss, and uncertainty.

“Events like wildfires that threaten our homes and communities can disrupt the normal relationship we have with nature as a place to seek meaning and a feeling of continuation.

“It is natural and normal to feel anxiety during moments and events of environmental devastation like a wildfire and flood, and it is important that we talk about how we are feeling so we don’t isolate ourselves and our emotions,” shared Dr. Holli-Anne Passmore (Associate Professor, Concordia University of Edmonton) in a recent phone interview with PAA.

Albertans impacted by wildfires in need of mental health support can access the DRN by emailing paa@paa-ab.ca, by phone at 780-424-0294 or toll-free at 1-888-424-0297. PAA’s DRN remains active as long as it is necessary.

“Loss from wildfires is devastating, psychologically and otherwise. The toll it takes on people and communities is hard to fathom. Psychologists can help. When you’re experiencing intense and overwhelming thoughts and feelings, please reach out: our DRN volunteers can help.” —Dr. Bill Hanson, R.Psych and PAA CEO.

Our hearts are with everyone impacted by wildfires in our province and across the country. PAA encourages anyone in Alberta impacted by the wildfires to reach out for support.

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For more information, contact: paa@paa-ab.ca | 780-424-0294