USask offers list of wildfire supports and resources

SASKATOON — A state of emergency has been declared in Saskatchewan in response to the wildfires burning in the north.

In addition, there are fires burning in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. We know this will have an impact on many communities across Canada. If you or your loved ones are affected by this situation there are supports available to you as you navigate or help someone navigate this difficult time. 

Below are the resources you can access as a student, faculty or staff member, whichever is best for your situation.  

If you are aware of anyone who may be affected, please feel free to share this message and encourage them to reach out. Please take care of yourself and each other.  

Student resources available:

• For immediate support, reach out directly to a member of the Student Affairs and Outreach team.
• The Student Wellness Centre offers a range of supports including physical and mental health care. To make an appointment, you can call (306) 966-5768. 
• The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) offers a wide range of supports for international students. You can speak with a member of the ISSAC team by calling 306-966-4952 or reaching out by email [email protected].
• For students living in Usask residence, you can reach out to the Counsellor in Residence by calling (306) 966-6171 or by Booking here.  You can also contact the student life coordinator at [email protected].
•  USask Faith Leaders are also available to provide one-on-one spiritual counsel. 
• Empower me is a 24/7 mental health and wellness service provided by Studentcare. This service provides services in many languages. To learn more please visit  GSA Empowerme and USSU Empowerme 
• Drop-in peer support through Peer Health is available at the Usask Community Centre. The Centre, located across from the bookstore in Marquis Hall, is open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 3pm. To learn more email [email protected] 
• Crisis services are also available (24/7) through Saskatoon Mobile Crisis (306) 933-6200 and Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566 

Faculty and staff resources: 

• Telus Health App is USask’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider, and offers a wide range of services including free and confidential counselling, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• For eligible employees, your benefit plan covers mental health supports including clinical counsellors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers. 

Additionally, Red Cross has asked that we provide accommodations to its staff and volunteers during this emergency. USask Residences will be hosting about 25 Red Cross staff and volunteers for as long as necessary. We will also work to ensure USask students who are displaced have accommodations.

Environment Canada has also issued an air quality alert and encourages individuals to “Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.”

— Submitted by USask Media Relations