Promoting Mental Health Awareness: West Fraser’s Commitment on World Mental Health Day
At West Fraser, we are committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our employees and the communities where we live and work.
October 10 is World Mental Health Day, observed across the regions where West Fraser operates, and we’re proud to have joined the global conversation around the 2024 theme, Mental Health at Work.
At West Fraser, we are committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our employees and the communities where we live and work. Through initiatives like our “Pie for a Purpose” events, “Go Green Day,” and enhanced employee resources, we aim to destigmatize mental health discussions. In 2024, we strengthened our efforts by partnering with regional organizations to expand mental health resources in our communities, particularly in rural areas where access to care can be limited. By prioritizing wildfire responder support, men’s mental health, and other community-specific needs, we are working to create lasting improvements in mental health awareness and resources.
U.S.: Growing online resources for rural residents
In early 2024, West Fraser partnered with Mental Health America to address the mental health needs of rural populations. This includes providing funding for the recently developed online Rural Mental Health Hub, providing a comprehensive range of screening tools and resources in one centralized place and aimed at those living in more remote communities.
Dealing with mental health concerns can be especially difficult for those living in rural communities, where access to care and stigma are persistent challenges. We hope the resources contained in this hub will help support rural residents on their mental health journeys.
Schroeder Stribling, President and CEO, Mental Health America
U.K.: Taking mental health services to the Highlands
West Fraser’s relationship with Mikeysline—a Scottish charity offering mental health support to people of all ages—first began with an employee-led fundraising initiative in Inverness.
At the employees’ suggestion, West Fraser is now supporting “Hive on the Road”, which provides mobile, in-person and accessible mental health support to remote areas in the Highlands region where our Inverness mill is located. This mobile support hive is the first of its kind in Scotland which also helps break down mental health stigma while raising awareness of Mikeysline services.
Canada: Supporting those who support communities
West Fraser has developed a partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association to expand the association’s Resilient Minds® program, providing training and support to emergency responders such as wildfire responders and the development of the initial stages of a rural mental health strategy for Canadian communities.
“The course has proven to be an invaluable resource for firefighters facing mental health challenges. West Fraser’s contribution has enabled us to reach a wider audience of firefighters and provided much-needed support to those in need.” Roger Hollander, Regional Fire Chief, Cariboo Regional District (Williams Lake area in B.C.).
Supporting men’s mental health
West Fraser has partnered with HeadsUpGuys, a University of British Columbia-based program providing online resources to help men recover from depression and prevent suicide.
The resource receives approximately 50,000 visits per month from men located around the world looking for assistance. To help support this community need, West Fraser is supporting the development of a Self-Check Suite of resources.
Men can be more reluctant to talk about their mental health. Heads Up Guys, provides anonymity when seeking assistance, and we are pleased to fund additional online resources and assessment tools to support this important community need.
Al Caputo, Vice President, Human Resources, West Fraser
