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Fla. program promotes suicide awareness for first responders

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay teamed up with ChappellRoberts to start a program geared towards first responders’ mental health called “First to Respond, Last to Ask for Help”

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Photo/Crisis Center of Tampa Bay

By News Staff

TAMPA, Fla. — A new initiative in Tampa aims to promote suicide awareness for first responders.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay teamed up with advertising agency ChappellRoberts to start a program geared towards first responders’ mental health called “First to Respond, Last to Ask for Help,” WGCU reported.

“I believe this program certainly will give that opportunity for those that have issues with (trauma) and need to talk with someone and gives them an outlet to do that,” Chief Nick LoCicero of Tampa Fire Rescue said. “I’m very, very happy to be a part of this.”

The campaign includes a video addressing the importance of reaching out to healthcare professionals, which will air on social media platforms. The video encourages first responders to call the Crisis Center Hotline by dialing 211 when they have negative thoughts and are thinking about harming themselves or others.

According to the campaign website, LastToAsk.com, the traumatic aspect of first responders’ careers is often overlooked.

“These men and women run head-first into situations most people run away from; they are exposed to unimaginable scenes of trauma,” the campaign’s mission statement reads. “Despite the dedication of these first responders, the emotional toll of the job is often overlooked and stigmatized. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay believes that no one in our community should face crisis alone … To those who serve, we thank you. And we are here for you.”