Our Resources at Your Disposal
Mental Health Matters
Silence is not an option
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.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is the federal agency leading public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
Suicide & Crisis Hotline
The Suicide & Crisis Hotline provides free and confidential emotional support to those either in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. This is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
If you or one of the volunteers with your municipality is experiencing a difficult time after a call response or training event and 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 of either the original incident or the most recent triggering event; this will keep the claim open for one (1) year. BVFF must receive or pay on a claim (bill resulting from medical services rendered) within the one (1) year period to keep the claim open. If no billing claim is received or paid within the one-year period that claim will close. It could be resubmitted if there is another triggering event at a later date. Please call our office with any questions.
PTSD / Mental Health Claim
If you or one of the volunteers with your municipality is experiencing a difficult time after a call response or training event and 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 of either the original incident or the most recent triggering event; this will keep the claim open for one (1) year. BVFF must receive or pay on a claim (bill resulting from medical services rendered) within the one (1) year period to keep the claim open. If no billing claim is received or paid within the one-year period that claim will close. It could be resubmitted if there is another triggering event at a later date. Please call our office with any questions.
Fire Families
Congratulations — your family member has decided to become a volunteer firefighter! Whether you are excited, nervous, or just aren’t sure how you are feeling, this guide will help you navigate the volunteer fire family life that you just became a part of so you will know what to expect and how to adapt to the lifestyle changes you will face.
The National Volunteer Fire Council
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.
Directory of Behavioral Health Professionals
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has launched an online, searchable directory of behavioral health professionals ready and able to help firefighters, EMS providers, rescue workers, and their families. This new tool replaces the previous PDF directory and will make it easier for responders and their families to find the assistance they need.
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has launched an online, searchable directory of behavioral health professionals ready and able to help firefighters, EMS providers, rescue workers, and their families. This new tool replaces the previous PDF directory and will make it easier for responders and their families to find the assistance they need.
Emergency responders face unique challenges that can have a significant impact on their mental wellbeing, 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.
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
NVFC's Lavender Ribbon Report
Naturally, firefighters endure many occupational hazards while serving our community, which increases the risk of developing several types of cancers. Luckily, there are necessary precautions that can be taken in order to protect yourselves. The Lavender Ribbon Report provides you with those specific steps, along with awareness posters that can be utilized as another resource.
The National Firefighter Registry for Cancer also provides information and helpful resources at your disposal, and can be found at https://nfr.cdc.gov/