Saving Those Who Save Others

Anyone can struggle with mental health, but some people are more likely to develop disorders as a result of their careers. Certain high-stress positions (such as firefighters, police, and other emergency services) are more likely to cause suicidal tendencies, as well as various mental health disorders like PTSD or depression.

Since these issues are becoming increasingly common for people in these careers, groups are developing to serve as a resource for these professionals. I have recently developed a strong relationship with one such group: Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance. I am truly excited to be of assistance to this outstanding group and to have the opportunity to offer my online mental health counseling services to our brave first responders.

Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance

Jeff Dill, retired Captain of the Palatine Rural Fire Protection District in Inverness, IL, founded Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) in 2011. His vision is to educate firefighters, other emergency services personnel, and their families about the behavioral health issues these professionals may develop as a result of their careers. Some of the specific issues he focuses on are post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, suicide, addictions, and anxiety.

The purpose of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance can be summed up in a single phrase: Saving Those Who Save Others. Their mission is to collaborate, develop and implement behavioral health awareness, prevention, intervention, and post-crisis strategies to provide firefighters with an easily accessible and confidential source of information. They travel nationally and offer a variety of resources and training materials to first responders, as well as to the counselors who treat them.

Learn more about Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance on their website: www.ffbha.org.

My Involvement with FBHA

I have recently gotten to know Jeff Dill personally, and I have been truly touched by his vision and his incredible generosity. We are working on ways to join forces to better serve our nation’s first responders. We are in the beginning stages of planning several joint fundraisers, the proceeds of which will be donated to a child survivors of suicide victims. In addition to educating about the lasting effects of suicide, these fundraisers will serve as opportunities to assist grieving families and help support the victims’ children.

Stay Tuned For More Information About Our First Fundraiser

I plan to hold our first fundraiser in Denver, Colorado. As a Denver resident myself, I am personally touched by the suicides in our community and would be honored to help a local family in need. I am hoping to host this first fundraiser before the end of the year – sometime in November or December.

If you live in Colorado or if you know someone who does, I would be endlessly grateful for your support of this worthy cause. I will publish more information about the event details as we continue to get them ironed out. I truly look forward to working with you to support this wonderful cause!