Mental Health and Wildfire Disasters: Where are the resources?


Ashley Berard, University of Victoria

Drawing on data from a PhD research project which interviewed over 30 participants in the Interior of British Columbia who have experienced wildfire disasters, this presentation will cover the mental health impact of wildfire disasters. Specifically, the presentation will highlight how participants described their mental health post-disaster, especially linked to their identities as rural community members. The presentation will highlight the overarching theme of the findings which involves a lack of clear resources available to support those who have endured a disaster. The presentation will end with some suggestions for pathways forward. 

This paper will be presented at the following session: