WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service announced on June 17 that federal wildland firefighters and dispatchers now have access to enhanced mental health support through a network of licensed providers.
Mandated by Congress, the new therapy service is tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals in emergency management roles.
In a press release, the Department of the Interior said wildland firefighters and support personnel operate in high-risk, high-stress environments that can lead to trauma and cumulative stress, heightening their vulnerability to mental health issues. The new program connects them with licensed providers experienced in supporting the mental health needs of emergency responders.
“Through the dedication and perseverance of our wildland firefighters and dispatchers, the Interior Department continues to protect communities, critical infrastructure, and natural resources from the threat of wildfires,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said. “By providing essential tools to bolster their resilience, we are strengthening our wildland fire workforce so we can better defend against the growing threat of wildfires across the United States.”
The new therapy service offers year-round, confidential access to licensed mental health professionals who specialize in the challenges of emergency response work. Available in every state, the service is open to permanent, temporary, seasonal and year-round wildland firefighters and dispatchers with the USDA Forest Service and the Interior Department’s Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“Firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line to protect us, our resources and our communities. We are so grateful for their service, and we are happy to provide them with more support if they need it,” Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said. “As we approach peak fire season, access to mental health services for our firefighters and first responders will now be easier and more convenient so we can continue to have the best wildland firefighting force in the world.”
