Firefighters are the critical responders, and bear witness to our worst moments. Often they arrive first to the scene of horrific emergencies, with no time to mentally prepare for others’ desperate need and dangerous rescue. For many firefighters these experiences take their toll, resulting in trauma, themselves in need of saving.
Who is the Hero When a Hero Needs Help?
Mental health awareness has come a long way with first responders, but a lingering stigma remains. Firefighters are trained to handle the immediate crisis, but when the emergency is with their own emotional health, many struggle to seek the help they need. A first responder’s identity is so centered on being our hero, it begs the question: Who does a hero look to when they are in need of one?
Ignite the Spirit Milwaukee is Breaking the Stigma
Struggles with anxiety, suicidal thoughts, emotional stability, substance abuse, PTSD and other mental health related issues are treatable and manageable with the professional care provided by specialized treatment centers. Oftentimes, transportation and travel expenses can be overwhelming, particularly when paired with feelings of fear or hopelessness. Ignite the Spirit Milwaukee established the All Hands Initiative to provide transportation and travel assistance to firefighters in need of treatment. ITS wants to ensure our firefighter brothers and sisters can focus on their primary duty of healing and recovery.
“We’re bad at asking for help because it shows weakness. And I was there... I felt like I was at the lowest point in my life. It came to the point where it was time for me to go get help. That’s where Ignite The Spirit- Milwaukee stepped in...“
– Brent Jones
How Can You Help Support All Hands?
For $750, we can provide a firefighter transportation assistance to any treatment facility in the U.S. With your generous support, we can make sure your local firefighter doesn’t need to bear the burden of transportation expenses in order to get the help they need.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
(800) 273-TALK (8255)
(Any time of day or night—or chat online)
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
* Information provided by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation