The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) strives to provide volunteer firefighters, EMS providers, and rescue workers with the resources they need when they need it. Recognizing the gap in behavioral health support services for many volunteers, the NVFC partnered with Provident to launch the First Responder Helpline in October 2022.
NVFC Responder Helpline
Similar to an employee assistance program, the NVFC First Responder Helpline is there in times of crisis as well as to provide support and assistance with work-life stresses.
NVFC members and their household family can call the helpline for confidential counseling, resources, and referrals for a range of issues including stress management, anxiety, relationship issues, financial or legal concerns, substance misuse, grief or loss, child or elder care, and more.
First responder groups
BHS has been feeding mental and behavioral health favors to corps since 1983
The NVFC First Responder Helpline is provided through Provident by BHS, a pioneer in providing emotional and behavioral health consultations, in partnership with Responders 1st Call. BHS has been providing mental and behavioral health services to organizations since 1983.
The contact center is staffed by master's level clinicians with an average of five years of experience specially trained in assisting and supporting first responder groups.
Volunteer Voices forum
Individuals can join the NVFC to access the helpline and many other benefits, including free training, an AD&D policy, and access to the Volunteer Voices forum.
Chiefs looking to support their department members’ mental well-being can supply them with an NVFC membership to provide them with all of these benefits. The NVFC First Responder Helpline is brought by the NVFC and Provident and supported by FirstNet, Built with AT&T; Josh Cellars; and Lincoln Financial Group.