Resources for First Responders

The OFRF provides funds for City of Ottawa First Responders; police, fire, and paramedic services (active first responders as well as first responder veterans and retirees) and their family members on their journey towards improving their mental wellness.

The Foundation is willing to consider funding support for many programs including those offered by clinicians in a one-on-one or group format. The Ottawa First Responders Foundation has partnered with local clinicians to provide session times specifically for Ottawa area first responders and their families. This program is designed to help easily connect first responders and their families with clinicians by simplifying the application process and reducing the wait times for sessions.

OFRF does not seek to limit funding to just clinical-type settings. We would rather remain open to consider other avenues towards wellness including those not traditionally covered by most service providers.

Eligibility

• City of Ottawa Active First Responders (Police, Fire and Paramedic personnel)
• City of Ottawa First Responder Retirees & Veterans (left service before normal retirement age)
• City of Ottawa First Responder partner/spouse/dependent

Applicant must be over 18 years of age.

Your application will be confidentially reviewed by the volunteers on the OFRF sub-committee and you will receive an answer within 7 business days of submission.  This information will not be shared with your employer.   All information is collected and secured in accordance with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and PHIPA, Personal Health Information Protection Act.  HIPAA compliant: The three components of HIPAA security rule compliance. Keeping patient data safe requires healthcare organizations to exercise best practices in three areas: administrative, physical security, and technical security.

Before applying for financial assistance – clinicians, you will need the contact information for your clinician.  Program providers with specialized training or certification that lead to improving first responder mental health are eligible for the application for financial assistance request – programs supporting mental well-being.  To provide proof of eligibility you will need to upload an image of your workplace ID or contact info for a peer.

The Foundation does have limited funding and requests are based on an annual budget and quarterly approvals.

Applicants who receive funding from OFRF must fully participate in their sessions. Failure to show up without a valid reason may result in direct billing by the therapist.