JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department broke ground on Feb. 23 on a new Health and Wellness Center aimed at expanding medical support for firefighters.
Officials said the facility will provide services including annual physicals, pulmonary testing, cardiac stress tests and ultrasound screenings, Action News JAX reported.
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The department has offered the services since 2018, but has not had a permanent facility until now.
“The JFRD Health and Wellness Center is about taking care of our own so that we can take care of others,” Director and Fire Chief Percy Golden II said “That’s not only our slogan, it’s our commitment.”
Firefighters routinely face exposure to toxic smoke and elevated risks for cancer and cardiac issues, and the new center is intended to help monitor and protect their health on the job.
What health and wellness resources does your department provide to help firefighters manage cancer risks, cardiac health and other job-related exposures?
