$125K Grant From Will Pay For 1st Responder Counseling

NEWPORT, RI — Strategic Prevention Partnerships in Portsmouth will receive a $125,000 grant to help Newport County firefighters, EMTs and police officers overcome trauma-related anxiety, PTSD and depression through its No Wrong Door initiative.

The funding is from the Rhode Island Foundation, in partnership with Governor Dan McKee’s Governor’s Overdose Task Force.

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“First Responders are seen as symbols of bravery and resilience, rushing into burning buildings, responding to calls that could escalate into violence. There is no room for a mistake; someone is counting on them every time the bell rings,” Rebecca Elwell, SPP’s executive director, said in a media release.

SPP reports that 40% of local firefighters who participated in its recent listening sessions reported having a diagnosed mental disorder, including anxiety, PTSD and depression. Ninety percent reported having nightmares or flashbacks related to a work incident. The organization will work with Newport County police and fire departments.

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“Behind their uniforms, many First Responders face mental health challenges stemming from the high-stress nature of the job," Elwell said. "From the increasing day-to-day traumatic events to the large-scale incidents, critical calls are becoming more frequent. Bearing witness to traumatic events and enduring physical exhaustion and emotional strain, the mental well-being of firefighters deserves attention and action.”

According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, there have been at least 39 opioid-related overdose deaths over the past five years in Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth alone. In addition, those communities reported more than 226 non-fatal, opioid-related Emergency Medical Service runs during the same time period.

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“Studies show that firefighters, EMTs and other rescue personnel develop post-traumatic stress at rates similar to soldiers returning from combat," Elwell said. "The connection between their traumatizing work and PSTD is clear. The numbers tell us it is imperative that we provide mental health support to First Responders now; there is no time to waste."

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