Health & Wellness
Our mission is “to provide information, education, benefits, and representation to the volunteer fire service of the State of Washington in order to enhance their capabilities and professionalism.” The WSFFA-sponsored Care Coin was introduced at the 2022 99th WSFFA Conference and pays particular attention to untreated conditions of mental illness and suicides in Washington firefighters. Per the WSFFA Mission, we are committed to distributing the coin to the greatest degree possible to bring awareness and provide hope in times of personal strife. Every firefighter should have this coin. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is the federal agency leading public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. The Suicide & Crisis Hotline provides free and confidential emotional support … 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. If you or one of the volunteers … needs to seek professional counseling services there are benefits available. Under RCW 41.24 mental health claims are reported the same way a physical injury is reported. Benefits are available as long as the medical services are needed as a result of their volunteer fire/EMS or reserve law enforcement service. The claim must be reported within the ninety (90) day reporting window … Please call our office with any questions. If you or one of the volunteers … needs to seek professional counseling services there are benefits available. Under RCW 41.24 mental health claims are reported the same way a physical injury is reported. Benefits are available as long as the medical services are needed as a result of their volunteer fire/EMS or reserve law enforcement service. The claim must be reported within the ninety (90) day reporting window … Please call our office with any questions. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. NVFC has launched an online, searchable directory of behavioral health professionals, replacing the old PDF format. Over 220 vetted providers from across the U.S. are currently included. Emergency responders face unique challenges that can have a significant impact on their mental well-being, and it is important that they have access to providers that understand this. The providers listed in this directory are behavioral health professionals vetted by the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) that either have firsthand experience with the fire and emergency services or have completed a training course through the FBHA to educate them on the fire service and the specific challenges responders face. In addition to licensed healthcare professionals, there are other resources for assistance such as chaplains and peer support specialists. Congratulations — your family member has decided to become a volunteer firefighter! Whether you’re excited, nervous, or not sure how to feel, this guide will help you navigate the fire family life. It’s full of practical advice so you’ll know what to expect and how to adapt to the unique lifestyle changes that come with joining a community of service and courage.Mental Health Matters
Silence is not an option
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) 1‑800‑662‑HELP
Suicide & Crisis Hotline
PTSD / Mental Health Claim
Help Provided by The Board of Volunteer Fire Fighters
The National Volunteer Fire Council
Directory of Behavioral Health Professionals
The new online tool is searchable using a wide range of criteria, including location, areas of expertise, accepted insurance, whether the provider is licensed, and whether the provider offers telehealth. This will enable those seeking assistance to identify the providers that are the best match for their needs. Over 220 providers from across the U.S. are currently included in the directory, and more are added each month.
NVFC members and their household family also have access to the First Responder Helpline in a crisis moment and for assistance with behavioral health issues and work-life stresses. This includes counseling sessions, resources, and referrals for a variety of issues such as stress management, depression, family conflict, financial or legal concerns, substance misuse, child or elder care, and more. Learn more at www.nvfc.org/helpline.
Find additional resources and training to support first responders and help departments implement a behavioral health program at www.nvfc.org/help. Many of these resources, including the directory of behavioral health professionals, are made possible thanks to a Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.Cancer Awareness
Fire Families
