Brief Description of OSI-CAN:

OSI-CAN is an Operational Stress Injury/Post Traumatic Stress Support Initiative.

We were created in January 2016 through the vision of Chris Siddons and a partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association (SK) and The Royal Canadian Legion (Saskatchewan Command). OSI-CAN has now expanded into covering four provinces: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia!

OSI-CAN offers Peer Support Groups (facilitated by members with lived experience), Family Support Groups, assistance with service dog acquisition and equine therapy programs. Our support groups provide a free, safe, confidential, non-judgmental environment where we can talk openly about mental health. To get help from OSI-CAN, no formal diagnosis or referral is required!

Occupational Stress Injury. Operational Stress Injury

Mission:

To inspire hope and contribute to the continuous well-being and recovery process of Veterans, Community First Responders and Public Safety Personnel.

Our Vision

To empower and encourage our target demographic to strive for recovery, resiliency and post traumatic growth through self-determination while creating a greater public awareness.

Values:

To promote hope and recovery, empathic and equal relationships, self-
determination, dignity, respect and social inclusion. To build integrity, authenticity, trust, health, wellness and lifelong learning through personal growth

OSI-CAN Target Demographic:

The target demographic of OSI-CAN are but are not limited to: former and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Allied Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Frontline Protectors --- which include Municipal Police Services, CN Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Protection Services, Wildland Firefighters, Hospital Trauma personnel, Nurses, healthcare Workers, Social Workers, Animal Control Officers, Coroners, Indigenous Emergency Management, Victim Services Personnel, Emergency Communications Specialist, Corrections Officers, “Volunteer” First Responders, Conservation Officers, Aboriginal Emergency Services personnel, Tow Truck drivers who clean up accident scenes, Persons who in the performance of their jobs are exposed to criminal acts of Trauma like Prosecutors as one example, and their spouses/partners. This demographic was chosen due to the commonality of experiences they share through the service they provide to the country and community. We have a special interest and support volunteer first responders as they are not eligible for many worker programs.