Mental Health Champion

Andrea Wichuk, a firefighter with Parkland County’s Fire Services, has been selected as a 2023 Mental Health Champion recipient by the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT).

Over 200 nominations were received and Wichuk was selected along with 19 other recipients for their profound work in peer support and fostering environments of well-being in their workplaces.

Wichuk acts as the lead for Parkland County’s Fire Services Peer Support team but has also done extensive work with the Alberta Critical Incident Peer Support Network. In particular, she promotes peer support among firefighters who may be susceptible to stressors that can impact their mental health, physical health and general well-being. Wichuk utilizes evidence-based resources, training materials and protocols to create a peer support system that positively impacts firefighters. She recognizes that peer support requires compassion and understanding, especially due to stigmas surrounding mental health that might prevent firefighters from seeking aid and support from their peers.

Her work is specialized, particularly in terms of supporting firefighters. Wichuk acknowledges there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach for addressing mental health struggles. Rather, she advocates for a mindful approach that recognizes the specific needs of a group and its members.

Parkland County would like to congratulate Wichuk for her prominent role in leading our Fire Services Peer Support Team and reinforcing a Peer Support system built on compassion, camaraderie and mental well‑being.