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Climate Mental Health Impacts Task Force
Within the last decade, severe weather and wildfire events have been steadily increasing, with profound effects on the well-being of communities in our South Cariboo Region. In response, the Canadian Mental Health Association – South Cariboo Branch has initiated a Climate Mental Health Impacts Task Force to study and address this public health crisis.
Our Task Force project is a work in progress. It includes a region-wide survey of mental health impacts and needs; the initiation of Small Town/Big Smiles, an Asset Based Community Development project; the creation of a CMHA South Cariboo Climate Mental Health Community Coordinator position, for which we are seeking funding; and the creation of a Climate Stress Resource List and First Aid Kit devoted to increased awareness of climate related mental health vulnerabilities including care interventions for them. In addition, we are continually at work in networking with South Cariboo communities, organizations, and residents toward adaptation to, mitigation of, and resilience in response to the severe weather and wildfire events now affecting us all in our region.