IT’S OUR TURN TO GIVE BACK
Our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics experience traumatic events at an alarming rate and continue to serve willingly for the greater good of their community. While there are mental health services available to the public at large, there are no programs specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the First Responder community.
MHFH is designed to better fill that gap in our community with competent providers who have extensive backgrounds in first responder issues and concerns. Applying holistic care to first responders and their families is critical to ensuring their mental wellbeing on both the work and home fronts. It’s our turn to answer their call and give back to those that give so much to us. MHFH is committed to better meeting this need in an impactful way.
The Need
It is estimated that 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions including, but not limited to, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as compared with 20%in the general population.*
In a study about suicide, firefighters were reported to have more attempts and thoughts of suicide than the general population.*
Between 125 and 300 law enforcement officers commit suicide every year.*
Across the United States, less than 5% of agencies have mental health wellness or suicide prevention programs.
The Impact
Prolonged exposure to stress and physical duress in high-risk careers has a substantial impact on individuals, marriages and families in the first responder community. The cumulative strain of this occupational stress and exposure to trauma impacts the ability of first responders to cope with and endure their career, resulting in negative impacts to the community.
This can take shape in the form of:
- Excessive sick time usage
- Unnecessary use of force
- Chemical addiction
- Mental illness
- Abnormal divorce rates
- Increased rates of suicide
The Numbers
Number of individuals provided services since the inception of the program in June of 2022
600 individuals served
Number of Agencies
14 agencies combined between fire, EMS, and law enforcement
Demographics
Roughly 57% are female and 43% male
Veteran Status
10% of the first responders served are veterans
Sponsor Opportunities
By joining HEROES as a corporate sponsor, you can help ensure that brave individuals dedicated to serving their communities receive the support they need to maintain their mental health and well-being.
Sponsorship Level
- Salute to Service Sponsor – $5,000
- Champions of Courage – $10,000
- Honoring Our Heroes – $25,000
- Founding Partner – $50,000
- Benefactor- Above $50,000
Current Partners
Benefactors:
Pepin Family Foundation
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Benefactors
Founding Partners:
Duke Energy
Rays | Rowdies Foundation
Bayfront Health
Richard O. Jacobson Frank Chivas Family Vinik Family Foundation
Vetted Security Solutions
Participant Testimonials
“Mental Health for Heroes saved my life. I was spiraling at work, calling in sick, my personal life was a constant struggle. Talking with someone who knew what I was going through, not only as a therapist, but as a former First Responder, I was able to find the tools necessary to repair my personal life and go back to work. Thank you for preventing me from being a statistic.”
“I’ve been a cop for 15 years and never considered seeing someone. Once I realized this program was truly anonymous, I reluctantly went for a session. I feel a 1,000 lbs. lighter, less cynical and I am starting to see people on the street differently and instead of getting angry or frustrated, I am finding myself to be more compassionate.”
“My wife kept saying I was angry all the time and I didn’t get it. We finally went together to see someone, and I never realized I was treating my family members like someone on the street. The therapist was able to help me see that and provided tools to stop bringing my work home with me and be a better husband and father.”