THUNDER BAY -- For OPSEU Local 737 president Michael Lundy post-traumatic stress disorder hits too close to home.
On Dec. 7, 2015 around 70 inmates took control of the protective custody floor holding one corrections officer hostage, and destroyed it in a riot that lasted 12 hours and took tactical corrections teams brought in from several cities to control.
“PTSD has always been prevalent in my workplace,” Lundy said Saturday morning during the inaugural I Run and Rock event hosted by United by Trauma.
“A good friend of mine was held hostage and it affected everybody in our workplace, some worse than others, and I don’t want to say this is the only reason I got involved in (United by Trauma), but it was one of those things that made me bring it to the forefront.
United by Trauma is a volunteer organization made-up of first responders, military members and medical professionals that assist those affected by PTSD.
The organization’s goals are to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues within the emergency responder communities.
“United by Trauma is geared toward first responders, but one of the reasons we took this on in Thunder Bay is because it affects everyone in our community,” Lundy said.
“We are a very tight community and we realize that anybody can be affected by this so while United by Trauma is geared toward first responders this event is for everybody.”
Members of the organization help first responders deal with PTSD by providing the resources and education they need.
As part of their program United by Trauma pairs first responders affected by the disorder with service dogs through the Service Dog Program.
Each dog donated is named in memory of a first responder or soldier that had taken their life to PTSD suicide.
Lundy said mental illness in the workplace was such a big stigma, and now it’s finally coming to the forefront and United by Trauma is a tool that helps people speak about what they are going through.
“Our heroes are there for us, so we have to be there for them.”
All the funds raised from I run and Rock will go toward PTSD resources and awareness.
