EMSHelp.org, a non-profit organization committed to advancing suicide prevention among EMS providers, launched its 'Stop Our Stigma' campaign on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the AFCA/AFDA Fire and EMS Leadership Conference and Expo 2023.
Board members - Rob Brewster and Dale Crogan were in attendance to request all attendees sign the pledge to 'recognize and commit to reducing the stigma associated with mental health and seeking mental health help'.
Suicide rates
According to a study conducted by the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix researchers; paramedics, EMTs, and firefighters in Arizona have a 39% higher rate of suicide than the general public.
In Arizona, on average, there are nine paramedics, EMTs, and firefighter suicides per year, likely caused by work stress, exposure to trauma, and not wanting to ask for help.
Eradicating mental health stigma
We need to break that stigma and create a more compassionate society for all first responders"
"Our mission with this campaign is to eradicate the damaging stigma surrounding mental health within our industry and to promote empathy and understanding," said Rob Brewster, Assistant Chief for the City of Peoria Fire and Medical Department.
He adds, "We need to break that stigma and create a more compassionate society for all first responders struggling with mental health challenges."
'Stop Our Stigma' campaign
The 'Stop Our Stigma' campaign is a collaborative effort between EMSHelp.org, a renowned advocate for mental health resources awareness, and a network of dedicated leaders and supporters who share the vision of ending the discrimination and prejudice faced by individuals with mental health conditions.
"Every first responder I've encountered has a story about how when they were first hired, they were told to push things down or to 'just get over it'," said Dale Crogan, Fire Captain for the City of Mesa.
Importance of asking for help
Dale Crogan adds, "The 'Stop Our Stigma' campaign isn't just about what's changing for incoming first responders, but also encourages top leadership to work their way down and explain that it's important for people to reach out for help. It's also important for us as senior members of these organizations to encourage people to reach out for help."
All first responders are invited to join the mission to end the stigma associated with mental health and reduce the suicide rate. EMSHelp.org is a powerful platform that serves as a hub for educational resources and personal stories aimed at dispelling misconceptions surrounding mental health for first responders.