San Mateo County Board of Supervisors backs mental health initiatives for first responders
San Mateo County, California – First responders, together with local government officials, addressed a vital issue that frequently goes unreported in a recent conference at the Board of Supervisors Chambers: the mental health issues experienced by those in public safety professions. The gathering highlighted a rising awareness of the psychological effects of the duties carried by police, firefighters, and emergency medical professionals.
Chief of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District Mark Lorenzen offered poignant analysis of first responder life.
“There are stressors from waking up in the middle of the night, going from dead sound asleep to potentially the worst thing the you’ve ever seen in your life in a couple of minutes,” said Mark Lorenzen, chief of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District. “That weighs on your psyche as well as your physical health.”
“We need to support the people who support our communities,” said David Canepa, president of the Board of Supervisors. “They routinely face extremely stressful situations and put themselves in harm’s way to help us. What we can all do is show our continued support for our first responders and the mental health challenges they face.”
Co-sponsoring the motion, Supervisor Lisa Gauthier underlined the need of ongoing support for first responders’ mental health. Given what first responders go through in their line of employment, Gauthier said, psychological wellness has to be given top importance. For first responders’ long-term resilience as much as for managing present stress, Gauthier emphasized the need of proactive support.
The resolution advocates several key actions to better support these community lifelines:
- Ensuring that mental health resources are accessible and confidential, specifically tailored to meet the needs of first responders.
- Reducing the stigma around mental health issues within these professions through targeted education and awareness campaigns.
- Promoting open dialogue about mental health concerns between first responders and their supervisors, ensuring a safe environment without fear of repercussions.
- Implementing thorough training programs designed to help first responders manage stress, trauma, and other psychological challenges effectively.
Lorenzen also noted a good change he has seen over his career: first responders’ increasing openness to tackling and talking about their mental health issues. Lorenzen said that Menlo Park fire staff members are turning to a trauma-trained mental health specialist more and more.
By raising these concerns, the Menlo Park Fire Protection District and the Board of Supervisors seek to create a community where mental health is openly recognized, therefore lowering the stigma and improving the support for those who serve to protect.
This conference was a step forward in realizing first responders are people who need and deserve strong care for their mental health and welfare in addition to guardians of public safety.
