OUTCAN Supports

Looking for specifics about your area or information about our programs and services?

Our team is dedicated to ensuring you feel supported at all times during your OUTCAN posting and that you have the knowledge needed for a rewarding and positive experience. When in doubt, reach out! Connect with one of our MFS US Team Members! 

For general inquires please email us at mfs.unitedstates@cfmws.com

Maj Alan Mills, CDLS(W)
Cell Phone: 613-302-8902
Toll Free Telephone: 855-897-1741
Email: alan.mills@forces.gc.ca

Maj Gerson Flor, CANELEMNORAD
Office Phone: 719-554-7234
Email: gerson.flor@forces.gc.ca

 

1-800-342-9647 | www.militaryonesource.mil

An all-in-one platform with tons of trusted information, resources, and support. Military One Source will connect you to information specific to military life challenges and available resources in your area. 
 

Find Your Local Red Cross:
From small house fires to multi-state natural disasters, the American Red Cross goes wherever we’re needed, so people can have clean water, safe shelter and hot meals when they need them most.

Red Cross Resource Directory:
The Red Cross Resource Directory connects people with free and reduced cost services in local communities. To get started, simply enter your zip code here. You will be taken to a listing of resources in your area, which you can refine by selecting a category or entering a keyword in the search field. 

Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990
The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

For preparedness tools and resources, visit our Disaster Preparedness webpage. 

Marion Hall, BSW, RSW
Telephone: 709-649-4296
Email: hall.marion@cfmws.com

Learn More

1-800-268-7708

Available 24/7 - CFMAP is a 1-800 bilingual telephone service, available to Regular Force members and their immediate family members, spouse, partner and dependant children of the member. You can access a professional counsellor by telephone from anywhere at any time. An appointment will be arranged within a maximum of 48 hours. Short and long term counselling options are available and are free of charge.

Learn More

Call or text 988
Or chat via the website! 

Available 24/7 - The 988 Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential emotional support for people in crisis or distress. If you are in emotional distress/crisis or are concerned about someone who might be, they are there to help. Note: 988 works in both the US and Canada. 

• 988lifeline.org (in the US)
• 988.ca (in Canada)

1-800-273-8255 - Press 1

Run by 988 Lifeline; By pressing 1 you will receive crisis intervention with sensitivity to military-specific issues. Staffed by veterans and others trained in military culture, they understand the challenges that members of the military and their loved ones face.

Learn More

• CAPSA Peer Support: Free peer-led group meetings, including virtual options, offer evidence-based tools to support individuals questioning their relationship with substances. Families, allies, and professionals are welcome to join.

 

• Alcoholics Anonymous: Free meetings and support for people who come together to solve their drinking problem. Find A.A. near you

 

• Narcotics Anonymous: Free meetings, including virtual options, are available for anyone seeking to stop using drugs. Membership is open to those committed to complete abstinence. 1-855-562-2262 | Find a meeting

 

• SMART Recovery: Free support meetings (in-person and virtual) open to anyone seeking science-based, self-empowered addiction recovery. Find a meeting

Learning more about Substance Use: 

• TRICARE | Substance Use Disorders: Understanding a substance use problem can be the beginning of a better life. Learn how to identify the warning signs of substance use disorders and where to get help. 

 

• Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction: CCFA's addiction blog offers a beacon of hope. Discover guides and articles on treatment, prevention, and personal growth in overcoming addiction. 

 

• Stigma Around Drug Use: Addiction is not a choice. It is a treatable medical condition yet many people affected by addiction face stigma.

For a comprehensive list of resources, allyship tools, and additional information, visit our 2SLGBTQI+ webpage. 

• PFLAG - The largest organization in the US dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Here you can find resources, support, and a chapter near you!
• The Trevor Project - Providing confidential support for LGBTQ youth in crisis, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via text, online chat, phone, and more! 
• Finding LGBTQ-Friendly Therapy - Information from Mental Health America (MHA) on how to find LGBTQ friendly therapy options. 
• Adults Supporting 2SLGBTQI Youth - Every supportive adult can be a vital resource when supporting 2SLGBTQI youth.

For general guidance regarding healthcare in the United States, you can visit our Healthcare in the US webpage. 

Maj Gerren Martin
CAF Medical Liaison Officer 
gerren.martin@forces.gc.ca

Capt Andrew MacNeil
Health Services Admin Officer
andrew.macneil6@forces.gc.ca 

MCpl Kevin Ramkishore
Health Services Coordinator
kevin.ramkishore@forces.gc.ca

Ms. Natalia Pela (Civilian)
Medical Records
natalia.pela@forces.gc.ca

Mike Begin (Civilian)
Medical Claims
CDLS(W) Medical Admin Inbox

1-800-874-2273

Health care support to TRICARE beneficiaries 24/7. If you're unsure about whether you need urgent care, contact the Advice Line to speak to a registered nurse. Visit MHSNurseAdviceLine.com for web or video chat options. 

1-800-267-6681 | www.cfmws.ca/insurance-finance

Take command of your finances. Set financial targets that align with your military life stage, with advice, investments and insurance designed for those in active service, military spouses, family and veterans.

Our SISIP Financial Webinars are the perfect way to unlock your financial potential! Get inspired and sharpen your money-management skills so you can discover how to plan for today, tomorrow, and the future.

Visit our Taxes while OUTCAN webpage for information, FAQs, and directions received directly from CRA International to help guide you in your income tax journey while posted OUTCAN. 

1-877-445-6444 | www.supportourtroops.ca

Has an emergency placed you in financial distress? Do you and your family need extra support because of challenges arising from Canadian Armed Forces service? Support Our Troops can help.

Children's Education Management (CEM) supports the educational needs of CAF families in a variety of situations both inside and outside of Canada. CEM should be your point of contact for education-related allowances and expenses.

Points of Contact

• General CEM Inquires: CEMGEE@forces.gc.ca 
• CANELEMNORAD CEM Claims: p-cos.claims@forces.gc.ca
• CDLS(W) CEM Claims: cdlsw.childrenseducation@forces.gc.ca 

For more information regarding assistance, allowances, and guidance for educational matters Pre-K through Grade 12, visit our Child and Youth Education webpage.

We have information on a variety of educational topics here on our website. You can visit our Education in the US webpage for a general overview or select one of the following pages:
 

• Child & Youth Education
• Adult Learning
• Secondary Language Training
• Post Secondary Education

As a spouse or dependant of a CAF member, you are eligible to seek work while posted to the US. However, it is mandatory to acquire an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If you have questions about obtaining an EAD or any other employment-related questions, please visit our Employment in the US webpage where you'll find information regarding the following topics:
 

• Employment Authorization
• Employment Insurance
• Employment Assistance

Visit our Second Language Training webpage for more details about all the available resources.

Most Popular: LRDG 
Free - Online - Self-Directed Learning
CFMWS has partnered with LRDG second language training to offer free, self-directed learning designed to help you reach your language goals - email mfs.unitedstates@cfmws.com for more information or to request a license.
 

The USO’s Military Virtual Programming (MVP) series is dedicated to positive, uplifting digital engagements for troops and military families across a wide variety of programming including entertainment, family, transition, and more. 

Visit www.uso.org/mvp for information about their upcoming programs.

 

sittercity.com
Find local child, senior, and pet care providers that suit your family's dynamics and needs. 

militarychildcare.com (a DoD website)
Find military-operated or military-approved child care programs worldwide, including before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps.

Advice Article: 5 Steps to Finding Quality Licensed Child Care

Strongest Families Institue - A Canadian-based establishment offering evidence-based, bilingual, online mental health services for children/youth, adults, and their families, when and where they need them. Please contact one of our Family Counsellors for a referral.
 

• Parents Empowering Kids (ages 3-12)
• Chase Worries Away (ages 6-11)
• Defeat Anxiety (ages 12-17)
• ICAN - Adult Anxiety (ages 18+)
• Chase Pain Away (ages 9-16)
• Dry Nights Ahead (ages 5-12)

Thrive - A DoD initiative created to build on parenting strengths you already have and develop new skills as your child grows and changes. Thrive is a free online program for busy parents like you that includes four universal, interactive parenting modules organized by age group. 

• Take Root (ages 0-3)
• Sprout (ages 3-5)
• Grow (ages 5-10)
• Brand Out (ages 10-18)

Sesame Street for Military Families

For many years, colourful Sesame Street characters, like Elmo and Big Bird, have helped children learn while having fun. The DoD has drawn on these familiar friends to help children ages 2-6 through the milestones of moving, deployment, adjusting to new communities, and more. 

Relocating your family is a challenging, exciting, and busy time. We have developed the Hero in Training Activity Book, for children ages 6-8, to keep your kids occupied as you prepare for the move, travel, and settle in your new home. 

Tools for families caring for an elderly loved one