Resources for First Responders in Need
When something isn’t going right, it’s important that you reach out for help. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s one of the strongest choices you can make. Whether you need help finding representation or you need someone to talk to, resources are available for all first responders.
Resources for Individuals & Families
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Families and first responders alike deal with traumatic events all too often—but know that you’re not alone. If you or someone you know has experienced a life altering event, has been involved in an accident, or has harbored thoughts of distress due to job-related events, please reach out. Call the free and confidential suicide prevention lifeline today.
Call today: 1-800-273-8255
National Alliance of Mental Illness
If you or someone you know is suffering from the impact that on-the-job stressors can cause and are in need of assistance, NAMI can help. Call 800-950-NAMI (6264) today to speak to a representative if you’re struggling with alcohol abuse, depression, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, or any other challenges.
Police Wives of America
Communicate with other wives across the country if your significant other has been injured in the line of duty.
Southern California Sunrise Recovery Project
With the emergence of COVID-19, many American’s have found it difficult to cope with the stress and anxiety that the pandemic has brought on. If you are feeling lost, unsure of what to do next, or just stuck, you’re not alone. Learn more about ways that you can get back to feeling a sense of “normalcy” with help from the Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center.
International Association of Chiefs of Police – Family Resources
Get information, resources, and connect with individuals to learn more about the benefits and challenges faced by law enforcement family members.
The 100 Club – Texas
The 100 Club has been operating since 1953, providing financial support to the dependents of law enforcement officers and firefighters who have been killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty in the 32 counties surrounding Houston.
Substance Abuse Self-Test
As a first responder, you spend the majority of your everyday life looking out for everyone else. But sometimes, the person who needs a helping hand the most is you. Admitting you need help is difficult, but it’s the strongest choice you can make. Take this simple quiz today to identify if seeking treatment is necessary so you can begin to take back control of your own life.
How Addiction Affects Families
No matter what someone has been struggling with or the amount of time it’s been going on, families feel the effects of addiction as much as anyone. To learn more about how substance abuse affects families, take some time to read through this resource from SoCalSunrise.com.
Resources for Injured Police Officers
POPPA New York
Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance (POPPA) is a support network committed to providing a confidential, safe, and supportive environment for police officers and retirees. They assist officers in coping effectively with stress related to personal life stressors in the law enforcement profession. Reach out anytime, 24/7.
Code 3 for Change
Code 3 for Change was created to help bridge the gap between police departments and the community, helping to build trust and encourage everyone to work together.
International Association of Chiefs of Police
The IACP is dedicated to shaping the future of the policing profession through advocacy, outreach, education, and programs. Their post-shooting personnel support offers some policies and procedures to consider for your department after an officer-involved shooting, helping safeguard the mental health of all officers.
Resources for Injured Firefighters
Firefighters for Healing
Firefighters for Healing has the goal to support firefighters, children who have burn-related injuries and their families. They help to replace essential living items lost in a fire and will contribute financial assistance for corrective surgeries, donate to local burn units, and offer other resources.
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation provides resources for families of fallen firefighters. They provide programs and materials to help during these difficult times and are there to remind you that you are not alone.
Resources for Injured EMTs & Paramedics
Safe Call Now
Safe Call Now is a confidential, 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety, emergency services personnel, and family members nationwide. Call them today for free: 206-459-3020
EMS Provider & Patient Safety in Ambulances
Get research and resources dedicated to promoting the improvements in ground ambulance safety from EMS.gov. Learn about the risks and what you can do to help yourself and patients in the event of a crash.
What Can Cause Drug or Alcohol Abuse in First Responders?
Gain a new understanding of what can contribute to drug and alcohol abuse among first responders with this study from AddictionResource.net.
Resources for Sleep Issues
If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or even getting yourself out of bed in the morning, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder that’s tied to a deeper issue. But don’t worry, there’s help out there.
If you’d like to quickly learn more about how your mental health may be impacting your sleep, check out the links below. Find out more today.
Resources for Substance Abuse – Self Assessments
Substance Abuse Assessment
In less than 5 minutes, this assessment from the American Addiction Centers will help you learn more about your own or your loved one’s potential addiction severity. The assessment is just 11 questions long and is entirely anonymous.
Self Assessment Quizzes
If you worry that you suffer from a chemical dependency or alcohol abuse, the first step to getting healthy is available. The American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory offers nearly two dozen self quizzes, all designed to get you the help you need.
Addiction Self-Test
Vista Taos Renewal Center provides a brief questionnaire that will ask you about your use of alcohol and other substances. Answer the questions honestly and mark the response that best fit to get a better sense of what you’re struggling with.
Directory of Addiction Self-Tests
Not sure where to begin? The Prevention Coalition offers a full directory of self-assessments to help you better understand your addiction and begin to seek help.