2023 ANNUAL REPORT-FINAL

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EMERGENCY SERVICES

Behavioral Health Program (continued)

• Developed resource/referral list that includes vetted clinicians who are culturally competent, work with county insurance plans, and have flexibility to meet the scheduling demands of our personnel. • Developed and delivered training to Recruit classes 32, 33, 34 on stress management and behavioral health topics. Critical to establishing early education and supporting a stress management throughout career. • Delivered training on topics including Behavioral Health in the Fire Service, Post-traumatic Growth, Suicide Awareness, and Compassion Fatigue and Burnout • Provided clinical consultation and oversight to our Peer Support Team. • Participated in quarterly Peer Support Team meetings. • Developed and partnered with other behavioral health organizations, including The Frederick County Health Department, the Mental Health Association, and the IAFF to deliver quarterly trainings for Peer Support team members, including suicide awareness, Motivation Interviewing, the impact of trauma, coping and behavioral health awareness. • Conducted station visits to raise awareness of the behavioral health program, peer support team, and provide education. • Participated in ride alongs. • Completed a clinician training course specifically designed for clinicians working with firefighters. The 2-day course included hands on fire and EMS operations scenarios to help clinicians more fully understand the unique stressors of the job. • Collaborated with peer support team leadership, members, and DFRS leadership to update Peer Support Team Policy. The DRFS Peer Support Program is an organized, comprehensive, and confidential system that provides stress management education, support, and crisis intervention services. The Peer Support Team (PST) is comprised of trained Peer Supporters who are well-respected, trusted members of DFRS. The team receives support and clinical oversight from the DFRS BHC. All members of the PST have completed an intensive peer support training program delivered by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), as well as crisis intervention and suicide awareness training. All peer support interactions are confidential, and team members are required to sign a yearly confidentiality agreement. Peer Support

Program Goals : Frederick County’s Peer Support Program exists to educate, promote, and facilitate for the behavioral wellness of members and their families.

Mission: To collaborate, develop, and implement behavioral health awareness. Prevention, intervention, and post crisis strategies will provide members and their families easy, accessible, continuous, and confidential sources of information. Vision: We recognize the unique environment and situations experienced by all our members. Our Vision is to support a positive nurturing culture that promotes wholeness in behavioral wellness. Breaking down traditional stigmas through education, support, and confidentiality will improve the quality and longevity of life for members and families.