How can we justify asking frontline workers to sacrifice their mental health and well-being for the sake of others, especially when the system they serve is often the source of their moral injury?
Researchers from Mount Saint Vincent University and Mount Allison University will be hosting a series of vital conversations on moral injury through two days of free public events this February. Supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the events will explore burnout and occupational mental health injury faced by frontline workers in human services during a time of increased polarization and hostility.
What is moral injury?
Moral injury is the persistent suffering, including shame or guilt, experienced by those who witness, perpetrate, or fail to stop acts of grievous harm. It is not the same as post-traumatic stress disorder, though the two concepts often overlap. Moral injury is often experienced by first responders, members of the military, health care workers (including nurses, social workers and therapists), educators and those who work with children. It is a complex injury that often stems from institutional and structural restrictions and failures. Approaches to prevention and treatment that extend beyond clinical mental health disciplines are needed.
PUBLIC PANEL PRESENTATION (evening of Feb. 13): This is Not Burnout or PTSD: Moral Distress and Occupational Injury
Featuring:
- Dr. Manal Azzi, Team Lead on Occupational Safety and Health Policy, International Labour Organization;
- Dr. Lisa Barrett, Clinician Scientist and Assistant Professor, Dalhousie Medicine;
- Jodie Boyle, Humanitarian and CAF Veteran;
- No More Silence and Hummingbird Healing Lodge; and
- Moderators: Dr. Ardath Whynacht, Associate Professor and Director of the Health Studies Program, Mount Allison University & Dr. Catherine Baillie Abidi, Assistant Professor, Mount Saint Vincent University
Location: Seton Academic Centre Auditoriums B & C at Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Highway [campus map]
Date/time: February 13, 2025, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Register for the public panel here
ALL are welcome. Childcare available.
*Jodie Boyle and Drs. Baillie Abidi and Whynacht are available for media interviews in advance of February 13. Contact Gillian.Batten@msvu.ca to make arrangements.
FULL DAY SYMPOSIUM (Feb. 14): Confronting Workplace Harm: Moral Injury in Frontline Work
Open to all, but best suited to those working in a role that involves direct contact with the public, e.g. first responders, educators, mental health professionals, those working in community support, social workers, human service workers.
Sessions:
Opening Plenary: Un-packing Moral Injury within Frontline Work
Panel: Workplace Policy Approaches for Prevention, Treatment and Justice
Workshop 1: Moral Distress in Sectors Engaging with Children & Youth
Workshop 2: Twin Crises: Moral Injury in Sectors Responding to the Opioid and Housing Crises
Location: McCain Centre rooms 105/106, Mount Saint Vincent University, 51 Lumpkin Road [campus map]
Date/Time: Friday, February 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Advance registration is required and space is limited: Register for the symposium here
Coffee, snacks, and lunch provided.
In addition to raising awareness about moral injury and moral distress across disciplines and considering approaches to prevention, these events aim to explore the role of culture, particularly Indigenous and other non-settler cultures, in experiences related to moral injury and moral distress in the workplace.
This initiative is funded by MSVU, Mount Allison University, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Media contacts:
Gillian Batten
Director, Communications & Marketing
Mount Saint Vincent University
902-457-6439
Gillian.Batten@msvu.ca
Mount Allison University
Media Relations
media@mta.ca