Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed an executive order formalizing the Office of First Responder Wellness, the goal being to support the emotional, physical and overall personal wellness of first responders in Virginia.
“Hurricane Helene’s tragic devastation of Southwest Virginia reminds us that our first responders are always our frontline heroes that are there to rescue and aid Virginians in need. We must support them better,” Youngkin said in a statement Wednesday.
“The data clearly shows that repeated traumatic events experienced by first responders takes a toll on the human body, mind, and soul. The coordination and partnerships at the local, state, and federal level, along with the private sector, will provide much better support and results for our first responder heroes,” said Youngkin, who has been on the ground in Southwest Virginia the past several days, and has seen the toll that first responders deal with on the scene of disasters firsthand.
The executive order formalizes the existing Office of First Responder Wellness at the Department of Criminal Justice Services, directing the office to provide training and support for mental and physical health of first responders.
The order also creates a new chief coordinating officer role under the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, directing the CCO to convene of work group of key state agencies, local first responder leaders, mental health professionals, clergy, and family members to advise on first responder wellness efforts.
Youngkin has approved a request from DCJS to allocate $3 million in unexpended fiscal year 2024 balances to the Office of First Responder Wellness to offer grants for non-profits and local agencies supporting first responder wellness efforts.
The need for support for first responders
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions. Additionally, recent studies indicate that first responders are suffering from PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to work related stressors considerably above the national average, and have a divorce rate that is 15 to 25 percent higher than the general population.
Almost one in ten first responders report having thoughts of suicide.
“Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Youngkin, we continue to support our men and women in law enforcement, corrections, fire, emergency medical services, and 911 dispatchers for their dedicated service to the Commonwealth. The entire team in public safety and homeland security is excited to lead this significant initiative,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Terry Cole.
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Chris Graham
