State offers first responder support

FINDLAY — While individuals may still struggle with the stigma surrounding mental health support, it's encouraging that we as a society are normalizing talking about these issues, said Findlay Fire Chief Josh Eberle. Firefighters and other first responders see and hear so many things throughout the course of their work, and are more prone to trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder than the general population. Eberle and other local leaders have been working to make sure their crews have the resources they need. On a broader level, Ohio is one of several state governments to recently expand these kinds of resources in recognition of the difficulties first responders face. Earlier this summer, the Ohio Department of Public Safety Division of Emergency Medical Services launched a safe haven program for EMTs and firefighters seeking support for burnout, mental health concerns or substance use disorders. Made possible through a collaboration between EMS and the Ohio Professionals Health Program (OhioPHP), the program provides a confidential, therapeutic alternative to traditional regulatory involvement for all Ohio certificate holders and applicants. This expands OhioPHP's role in supporting healthcare professionals in Ohio for over 30 years to now include EMTs and firefighters. "The State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire and Transportation Services is proud to have partnered with the OhioPHP and the expertise they have honed, offering these highly trained professionals real hope at recovery and reintegration into the fire and emergency medical services professions to which they have dedicated their careers," said Robert Wagoner, executive director of the Division of EMS and CEO of the EMFTS Board, in a state press release announcing the program. OhioPHP has supported healthcare professionals across the state by partnering with multiple healthcare regulatory boards, giving more than 600,000 medical professionals access to its services. State leaders note that expanding the program aligns with the Department of Public Safety's mission to keep first responders healthy, both mentally and physically. Earlier this summer, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation establishing the Ohio Post-Traumatic Stress Fund Commission to help first responders who have experienced trauma. The commission will help establish the structure necessary to provide benefits and support to eligible public safety officers. Stateline reported in early July that state legislatures around the country are devoting more attention to this issue. Maryland, for example, enacted a law that protects firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and other rescue workers from employment discrimination over the lawful off-duty use of medical marijuana. Missouri lawmakers advanced a bill allowing veterans and first responders in approved research studies to receive the psychedelics psilocybin and ibogaine under medical supervision for PTSD and other mental health conditions. The legislature adjourned in May before lawmakers could send the bill to the governor. Eberle said mental health resources for first responders have traditionally been provided primarily on a local level, such as the city's Employee Assistance Program or the fire department's own peer-support team. Critical Incident Stress Management teams are usually on a regional level, but statewide resources like these are relatively new, he said. "It's fantastic" that the state is expanding OhioPHP to include first responders, Eberle said. He said he could see local first responders taking advantage of this being available, and pointed out that seeking help is not a one-size-fits-all situation. "What might work for one person doesn't work for the next person… That's why I think it's awesome to have a wide variety of resources," he said. Along with the ability to directly request to connect to someone for one-on-one help, the OhioPHP website offers online screenings, educational resources, downloadable self-care plans and links to other helpful sites. Eberle notes some first responders may prefer to start out with these online resources while others may prefer making a phone call, so this offers another way to connect with help. He said it's also encouraging to see these conversations happening on a broader level, including state legislatures. Individuals may struggle with stigma around the topic of mental health, but on an institutional level, our society is starting to make it more acceptable to openly discuss, he said. Eberle said it's a common topic of discussion at Findlay Fire Department. He checks in on fire crews and has heard firefighters openly talking about going to therapy. "When one person does it, then the next person is going to feel more comfortable," he said. Peer support personnel will reach out to check in on anyone who has been on a particularly difficult call, Eberle said. Also, captains and battalion chiefs make a practice of discussing these issues with crews informally. "That's how you really get the cultural change," where it becomes something crews can easily talk about, he said. "They know that that resource is there and that people care about their mental health," and having that knowledge helps in and of itself, he said.