Sharing insights on the BRAVE-F Project

It was an interesting week for members of Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health.

According to Gateway, an accidental press release emailed to the CBC kickstarted the week with several events for the Benefitting Rural Area Volunteer Emergency Firefighters (BRAVE-F) Project.

As a result, Gateway’s Research Assistant, Neeliah Lewis and Gateway Research Chair of Rural Substance Use, Dr. Michael Beazely participated in a CBC interview and radio interview on the Afternoon Drive with CBC London’s Matt Allen.

“Dr. Beazely and I were honoured to speak on CBC London’s Afternoon Drive, an unexpected yet invaluable opportunity that allowed us to further amplify the BRAVE-F Project’s mission,” explained Lewis.

“This platform allowed us to continue to raise awareness about the project’s focus on improving cardiovascular health among volunteer firefighters in Huron County, with hopes to expand to Perth-Grey-Bruce counties.”

Lewis and Dr. Beazely specifically highlighted the project’s objectives, which is to provide free, confidential medical screenings and education tailored to the unique cardiovascular health needs of rural volunteer firefighters.

Additionally, they shared the progress Gateway’s project has made in expanding the initiative, ensuring that this underserved demographic receives vital education on preventative measures to improve physical and mental well being.

“Our ultimate goal is to educate and advocate for the necessary resources and policies that will better support the health and safety of rural volunteer first responders,” added Lewis.

Further to the highlight on CBC, Lewis and Dr. Beazely collaborated with Huron East Fire Chief Jay Arns, and Gateway Research Assistants, Meagan Tamming and Sage Milne, to deliver an engaging lecture series.

This session was open to the public and was designed to educate and connect with diverse audiences; while focusing on how the project came to be and trends Gateway has found in preliminary screenings.

According to Lewis, each panelist brought unique perspectives and expertise to the lecture.

“Our discussion created a dynamic platform that explored the BRAVE-F Project’s implementation and how it can be useful for the community to educate them selves on cardiovascular disease,” Lewis explained.

“These preventative measures aim to enhance the physical and mental well-being of rural firefighters.”

Feedback from attendees at the lecture series shed light on the depth of information shared and the inspiration it sparked.

Lewis said she is excited about the future of the BRAVE-F Project and how these conversations can contribute to its growth and impact.

For more information on BRAVE-F Project, or to volunteer at future events, please visit https://www.gatewayruralhealth.ca/