"First responder careers are known for being dangerous and physically demanding, but the conversation is just getting started about the mental and emotional challenges these roles present."
That from Bill Higbie, CEO of the Porter County Community Foundation, in a statement announcing a $11,000 grant to the Multi Agency Academic Cooperative Foundation's First Responders Mental Health Initiative to help first responders deal with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, the Times of Northwest Indiana reports.
First responders are estimated to be five times more likely to suffer from PTSD than the general public.
The initiative, which aims to bring more mental health resources to first responders, will use the grant to bring in military and first responder health and wellness advocate Travis Howze to speak.
Howze, a motivational wellness educator and touring speaker, served as a US Marine for 14 years and also has been a police officer and firefighter.
He will present a program on mental health and resiliency.
The grant will also fund realistic training for paramedics, firefighters, police officers, and police dogs.
"This grant will allow us to expand training opportunities and resources to include mental health and resiliency to continue positively impacting the first responder community," MAAC Foundation President and CEO Celina Weatherwax says.
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