We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of the BCFWOAT program, a groundbreaking collaboration between the BC Municipal Safety Association (BCMSA) and First Responder Health (FRH).

This initiative marks a significant step towards addressing the mental wellness of frontline workers across BC. The BCFWOAT is born out of a shared vision to prioritize the mental health of our frontline workers by focusing on the prevention and reduction of psychological challenges through an evidence-informed approach. In addition to our collaboration with FRH, the BCFWOAT utilizes renowned subject matter expert, Dr. Duncan Shields, co-creator of the BC First Responder Resiliency Program throughout the series as he offers his expertise in his remarkable success in reducing psychological stress injury symptoms among first responders.

The BC Frontline Worker Occupational Awareness Training is a free online course designed to provide learners psychological tools necessary to navigate a career on the frontline. The Program is a module series designed to enhance frontline knowledge of mental health injuries and reduce emotional and behavioural impacts of careers in local government. The curriculum follows a format combining the lived experience of frontline workers with recognized subject matter experts in the field of public safety and mental health. Following each module, learners are urged to engage in a structured group discussion, focusing on normalizing common psychological stressors, reinforcing key learning objectives, and celebrating the collective resilience of frontline workers. The BC Frontline Worker Occupational Awareness Training proudly welcomes any local government frontline worker.

On May 1, 2024, the BCFWOAT program will be made available to anyone working for a BC municipality or organization within WorkSafeBC Classification Unit 753004 Local Government or Related Operations through registration at programs@bcmsa.ca. Registration for the program will give access to an online comprehensive 5-module BCFWOAT series tailored specifically to the frontline sector aiming to provide an inclusive, FREE, and accessible program for all local government frontline workers.