Mental Health Assistance Available with Your Benefits Plan
Prioritizing our mental well-being is a universal necessity. Because we are constantly navigating the pressures of our professional lives, personal environments, and the unpredictable nature of the world around us, our internal balance can shift at any time.
Short-Term, Fast Help
The Member and Family Assistance Program (MFAP) through Kii Health may be used for short-term counselling. To access MFAP and to learn more about it, please visit this page on GSI’s website.
Longer-Term Help
All the extended health modules (blue, green, teal) include professional services for mental health. When selecting a practitioner, it must be one of the following to be covered under the Plan:
- Psychologist
- Clinical counsellor
- Marriage and family therapist
- Masters in social work (MSW)
- Registered Social Worker (RSW)
- Registered Psychotherapist
- Psychoanalyst
Remember, checking in on yourself is just as important as checking in on those around you.
Caring for Our Planet on Earth Day
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22nd, with a focus is on caring for the environment. It began in 1970, when people who were concerned about pollution, wildlife, and the effects of industrial growth on the planet started to become better organized.
Today, Earth Day is celebrated in over 190 countries and is organized worldwide by Earth Day Network. Each year a new theme is chosen. (Past themes have included climate change, reducing plastic waste, protecting nature.) This year’s theme is
Our Power, Our Planet
This theme highlights the idea that people, communities and everyday actions play a central role in protecting the environment. It encourages everyone to take part in activities and efforts that support environmental progress and sustainability around the world.
Earth Day reminds us why it is important to take care of the Earth and draws attention to issues. People are encouraged to take part by planting trees, cleaning up their communities, learning more about the environment, and supporting ecofriendly choices.
Looking for a way to participate in your area? Events that have officially registered can be found on an interactive map on earthday.org. Many unofficial activities will also be taking place across Canada.
Potato, Red Pepper & Spinach Frittata
In recognition of IBS awareness month, enjoy this IBS-friendly brunch choice, which is naturally gluten-free and easily adapted to be low-FODMAP. In this recipe, you can use lactose-free dairy, and it omits garlic/onion, focusing on safe veggies to create a fluffy, gut-friendly meal!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 9×13-inch casserole
Ingredients:
1 lb of waxy potatoes (Red or Yukon Gold)
1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
2 tbsp. chopped green onion
2 packed cups of baby spinach
8 large eggs
Lactose-free milk and low-lactose cheese like cheddar or parmesan, or feta (Optional; quantity is to your liking)
Olive oil for sauteing
Salt or pepper for seasoning.
Directions
- Boil or steam potatoes until tender. Cube them.
- Heat olive oil in a 10–12-inch oven-safe skillet. Sauté red pepper and chopped green onions for 1-2 minutes, then add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add the cooked potatoes and cheese to the skillet.
- Pour 8 well beaten eggs over the veggies, stirring gently.
- Cook on the stove for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a 400 F oven for 8-10 minutes. If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer to a casserole dish before transfer.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Meet the Pets of GSI
Natonal Pet Month celebrates the special bond between people and their pets. It highlights responsible pet care, adoption, and animal welfare, while encouraging activities like visiting animal shelters, volunteering and keeping pets healthy and happy. It is a time to honor the joy and companionship pets bring into our lives.
Here are the staff of GSI’s beloved pets, bringing joy, love and lots of smiles into our lives!!
The Mental Health Impacts of Navigating Infertility
Expert: Elise Hannan, MSW, RSW
Ask an Expert Question / Concern:
“We’ve been trying for a baby for a long time and I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to have kids. We’re both disappointed, frustrated, and starting to resent each other. I feel guilty, like it’s my fault. Every time a family member asks about kids, a colleague assumes we already have them, or I see a happy parent with their baby, it stings. How do we get through this without our relationship falling apart?”
Description:
Infertility affects 1 in 6 people globally, and yet, it can be an incredibly isolating experience with real, and too often overlooked, emotional impacts.
Join Kii Health this month to learn about the impacts of infertility on our mental well-being and relationships, as well as learn some practical strategies for coping with infertility and supporting others who may be experiencing it.
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 12:30 pm ET
You can also watch the recording later using the same link.
We welcome your questions & feedback!
please write to us: admin@elcicgsi.ca
or call toll free: 1-877-352-4247 (in Winnipeg 204-984-9181)
information and resources can also be found on the GSI website