Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) is very proud to be part of the development of an innovative collaborative program developed by MDSC. MDSC partnered with Newfoundland and Labrador’s four Health Authorities and the Mental Health Commission of Canada on this initiative. This new program recognizes the importance of addressing the mental health needs of health care providers.

The Eastern Health Authority is the first Authority to launch this new, innovative education program. “Working in healthcare puts employees at risk to the exposure of traumatic events. Having accurate and timely resources for employees allows for early detection and treatment of the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress injury. The collaboration that brought this project together gives me great confidence in the program quality. If you work in healthcare in this province, take some time to do this course. It will be time well spent!” – David Diamond, President and CEO, Eastern Health

“I’ve spent my entire career working in healthcare, and I am truly delighted to see my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador stepping up to the plate in service to promoting and protecting the mental health of this invaluable workforce. This innovative program is key to shattering the stigma that clings to operational stress injuries and shedding light on what we can do, as colleagues, to support one another’s wellness. Working together for better healthcare means working together for the best health of our care providers. Good quality patient care is to be well and healthy ourselves.” – Louise Bradley, President and CEO, Mental Health Commission of Canada

Dave Gallson, National Executive Director of the Mood Disorders Society of Canada states that “MDSC is proud to be part of this collaborative partnership, and together with the provinces’ Health Authorities, and the Mental Health Commission of Canada, we are tackling the very real issue of trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder early, through this new innovative program which will protect the wellness of employees throughout the province. Post-traumatic stress disorder can occur after exposure to a traumatic or terrifying event. An event is considered traumatic if it involves a perceived or actual threat of death or serious injury to oneself or others. PTSD is a largely overlooked issue within the healthcare system, but its impact cannot be understated. The online course provides all healthcare workers with a better understanding of PTSD, how to cope with symptoms and how to identify indicators from peers who may be struggling.”

About Mood Disorders Society of Canada

MDSC was incorporated in 2001 with the overall objective of improving access to treatment, inform research, and shape program development and government policies with the goal of improving the quality of life for people affected by mood disorders.

MDSC has evolved to become one of Canada’s best connected mental health NGOs with a demonstrated track record for forging and maintaining meaningful and sustained partnerships with the public, private and non-profit sectors throughout Canada. Collaboration is an MDSC operational principle. We provide extensive educational resources, workplace mental health programs, peer and trauma support and veterans’ programs that have direct positive impact on the lives of Canadians, their families and caregivers.

For more information:
Dave Gallson
National Executive Director
613-921-5565
info@mdsc.ca