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By Victor Kaisar

Mental Health

CMHA BC working on supports to address impacts of recurring climate emergencies

Aug 8, 2025 | 10:04 AM

KAMLOOPS — Numerous branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) are coming together to discuss the impacts of extreme weather events and climate emergencies on people’s mental health and well-being.

CMHA BC says it has been working with its local branches in the Interior and the North — including the one in Kamloops — to create a network of support to help people recover after disasters like wildfires and floods.

“It has been inspiring to connect with other CMHA branches and see the innovative ways we are collectively addressing climate-related challenges,” CMHA Kamloops Executive Director Alfred Achoba said in a news release.

“The shared learning and collaboration have strengthened our local efforts and deepened our commitment to climate resilience, into our programs more intentionally.”

According to the CMHA, while each community is unique in terms of the supports its needs, there are common challenges and needs that arise during and after a climate emergency. It notes that the key initiatives include:

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• Training 32 staff across eight branches on Psychological First Aid, special training on providing emotional support during a disaster
• Coordinating Canadian Red Cross business continuity workshops for three branches to enhance service resilience during emergencies
• Supporting CMHA branches in accessing post-disaster recovery grants to deliver urgent mental health services in impacted communities
• Delivering six provincial presentations on the mental health impacts of climate-related emergencies, reaching 700+ attendees
• Supporting the launch of a survey in the South Cariboo on the impacts of wildfires and extreme weather on mental health
• Coordinating in-person emergency scenario exercises
• Co-developing climate-mental health resources with key partners including the Canadian Red Cross, First Nations Health Authority, Health Emergency Management BC, Salvation Army and United Way BC
• Working with the Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma to inform their new resource on media reporting of and during climate emergencies that does the least harm to media professionals, impacted residents and media consumers

CMHA BC said all of the branches involved will continue working toward building “a more resilient and prepared province.”

“Climate emergencies are a growing concern that have lasting impacts on individuals and communities — and unfortunately B.C. has had many years of experience with their impact,” added CMHA BC CEO Jonny Morris.

“Together, we are working to create meaningful supports for people who are affected, rooted in the local expertise of community branches. This is a powerful example of what we can achieve as a collective and we are grateful for the partnership of branches across B.C.”

CMHA BC also said there are numerous other resources available for people dealing with climate impact and emergency mental health challenges as follows:

• Coping with disaster stress
• Emergencies are stressful: what to expect and what can help
• Coping with an environmental emergency
• Interior Crisis Line (1-888-353-2273)
• Provincial Mental Health Line (310-6789 — no area code needed)
• Provincial Suicide Line (1-800-784-2433)
• Crisis Helpline (call or text 988)