It seems that every day now we are seeing articles, news stories, Facebook posts, training notices, online programs and other links on the subject of behavioral health care for our firefighters, EMS and law enforcement personnel. Never before, in the history of the first responder world, has there been more information and resources available to us to take better care of ourselves, our families, and each other psychologically and emotionally.
Many of us came up in the “suck it up” culture where we were expected to be “tough” and to hide any signs of emotion. Without question, many of our brothers and sisters have retired, or sadly have passed away, without ever being afforded the care or emotional support they needed to do their jobs. Additionally, our present day first responders are faced with far more in increased responses, advanced training and certifications and other job requirements that continue to ramp up the level of stress in their lives. Add financial issues, raising families, making ends meet in a single parent home, finding child care, and working second jobs are just a few of the problems faced by many today in their personal lives. Cities, towns, counties, and communities all over our nation are struggling with recruiting and retaining qualified firefighters, EMS and law enforcement personnel, whether paid or volunteer. Millions of dollars are being spent to recruit and train personnel to have them leave for better jobs and ones less stressful and demanding in their lives. What a tragedy to lose the investment in our personnel simply because we don’t embrace the need to support our men and women emotionally and mentally.
Our Team will continue to reach out to you, collectively and individually, in hopes of providing the behavioral health care you deserve. While we are honored to be a resource for you, it is important that you understand that our Team is just one of the many programs available to you and your loved ones. We support The South Carolina State Firefighters Association Firefighter Assistance and Support Team (F.A.S.T.), the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy, Support One in Aiken County, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program (L.E.A.P), Strategies to Assist Valued Employees (S.A.V.E.), the Charleston Dorchester Public Safety Assistance Program, the Horry County Fire Rescue Peer Team, the Greenville County Fire Chief’s Association Chaplaincy program, the many other fire department peer teams across South Carolina, and the scores of chaplains, clinicians and private providers in our communities throughout our state who offer assistance to our first responders. NEVER before in our State is more being done to provide the programs, the support, and the emotional care to assist our first responders and to protect and promote the behavioral health of all of you, your families and your communities. There is still much work to be done. Overcoming the “suck it up culture” (yes, it is still alive out there), breaking down the stigma of seeking help, continuing to provide awareness and other training to our first responders, and supporting each other in our personal struggles are paramount to the success of these programs.
Please visit our website at www.firefightersupport.org as we will continue to improve our “Links” page to provide contact information of those resources in your time of need.