New BCAA & CMHA BC Beyond Wildfires initiative expands community mental health supports and strengthens resilience across BC

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 6, 2026 /CNW/ -- People in communities across the province who are affected by wildfires will have access to more mental health supports, thanks to a new three-year, $750,000 partnership between BCAA and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in BC.

British Columbia is facing a new reality where wildfires are more common, severe and increasingly impacting people's mental health and well-being. Those mental health effects—which could include depression, grief, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and more—can emerge and last years after the fire has gone out. 

As communities continue to recover from wildfire emergencies, the BCAA & CMHA BC Beyond Wildfires initiative will be there to help people build resilience, support mental health, and find their path forward.

The new initiative extends BCAA's support beyond first responders and directly into communities for the first time. The partnership also sees BCAA continue to support CMHA BC's Resilient Minds mental health resilience training, extending its availability to volunteer firefighters.

"When we learned how mental health needs evolve as communities move from immediate emergency response into recovery, we knew we wanted to commit to a major, multi-year investment," says Shawn Pettipas, Director Corporate Purpose, BCAA. "We're proud to enable CMHA BC and the local branches to reach deeply into wildfire-affected communities to respond at the right time: supporting recovery from current emergencies while strengthening preparedness and resilience for the future."

CMHA BC and BCAA share a commitment to helping communities stay safe, connected, and resilient by investing in the mental health supports people need to prepare, recover, and thrive through these emergencies. 

For almost a decade, CMHA BC has been supporting communities before, during and after wildfire crisis through a range of evidence-informed, community-centered initiatives.

"When a wildfire is contained, the recovery for individuals, families and communities is often only beginning," said Jonny Morris, CEO of CMHA BC. "Mental health impacts can emerge immediately or months and even years later. Through this generous partnership with BCAA, we can work alongside communities to strengthen the supports people need not only to recover, but to prepare for future emergencies and build resilience over the long term." 

More about BCAA & CMHA BC Beyond Wildfires

The initiative will initially support communities in Vernon, Cariboo and Chilcotin, and the Northern BC regions.

CMHA Vernon & District

• Engage youth in wildfire resilience and climate action through workshops and community partnerships.
• Strengthen partnerships and preparedness across sectors through collaboration and planning.
• Invest in community-led wildfire recovery from the Bradley Creek Wildfire.

CMHA Cariboo Chilcotin

• Deliver a family wellness and resilience program in Williams Lake including body- and land-based healing and preparedness activities.
• Enhance organizational preparedness and response capacity, strengthening mental health continuity during and after emergencies.

CMHA Northern BC

• Provide low-barrier counselling to community members repeatedly affected by wildfires around Prince George, enhancing resilience and coping strategies for equity-deserving groups.

This new initiative is one of many actions BCAA is taking to help build BC's resilience to wildfires. This year's BCAA Fireweed Pin campaign raised over $165,000 and is another example of BCAA's leadership in helping the communities that are most affected by wildfires. In addition to sharing this symbol of renewal, strength, and hope, 100% of proceeds from the pin are being directed towards the First Nations' Emergency Services Society and CMHA BC.

Quotes

"The emotional impacts of wildfire can be felt long after the immediate crisis has passed. People need opportunities to reconnect, support one another, and rebuild a sense of hope. With BCAA's support, we can support the community by helping youth and families build resilience, foster connection, and find hope for the future." – Julia Payson, Executive Director, CMHA Vernon & District

"We are deeply grateful for BCAA's support in helping us strengthen the resilience, well-being, and capacity of individuals and families across the Cariboo Chilcotin who are impacted by climate change and wildfire. This partnership will enhance our ability to provide meaningful mental health supports, foster community connection, and help people navigate the ongoing challenges associated with climate-related emergencies. It will also strengthen our preparedness and response capacity, ensuring we are better equipped to support our communities before, during, and after emergencies. Together, we are investing in stronger, healthier communities that are better equipped to respond to and recover from adversity." – Tereena Donahue, Executive Director, CMHA Cariboo Chilcotin

"The stress, anxiety, and fear of wildfires can take a serious toll—and when wildfires happen repeatedly, those impacts compound. As people in Prince George and the surrounding communities continue to recover from recurring wildfires, BCAA's generous partnership means that more people will have access to the help they need to heal and build resilience." – Stephanie Aaslie, Interim Executive Director, CMHA Northern BC

About BCAA

Driven by its purpose to move British Columbians forward, BCAA (British Columbia Automobile Association) is a long-standing BC Top Employer (Mediacorp) and provides over 1 in 3 B.C. households with industry leading mobility and protection services including Membership, Insurance, Auto Marketplace, Task Marketplace, Auto Service Centres as well as Evo Car Share and Evolve E-Bike & E-Scooter Share. BCAA invests in programs and initiatives to make a positive impact by protecting the people and province of BC, including its Defending Against Wildfires programs to build a more resilient BC, recognizing that the place we call home is all of Ours to Protect.

About CMHA BC

The Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC) is a province‑wide organization that promotes the mental health of all people in British Columbia and supports access to mental health and substance use services through a network of community‑based programs and advocacy initiatives. In 2025–26, CMHA BC provided direct support through mental health programs, education services, and initiatives to more than 140,000 people across the province, reaching 570,000 through mental health awareness and engagement efforts. Learn more about CMHA BC.

SOURCE British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA)