Resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

Suicide And Crisis Lifeline

Dial: 988

2nd ALARM PROJECT 

Behavior health subject matter experts for First Responders 
1-850-480-9314
www.2ndalarmproject.org 

Miami-Dade Multi-Agency Peer Support Team

Helping first responders and their Families!

Call: 754-315-PEER (7337)

Resources Specific to Fire and Rescue

• •Firefighter and Family Crisis, please call: 1-844-525-FIRE (3473),  24/7
• •Firestrong: Tools to Build a Stronger You
• •IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters)
• •IAFF Center or Excellence
• •University of Central Florida (UCF) Restores: Lives, Families, Communities
• •Stevie LaDue Firefighters Foundation

 Resources Specific to Law Enforcement 

Copline: 1-800-COPLINE (267-5463)
When you call, only your area code shows, not your phone number.

LEO CRISIS TEXT LINE
Law enforcement officers in crisis, text BLUE to 741741
https://www.crisistextline.org

BLUELINE SUPPORT 24/7 HOTLINE
BlueLine Support™ is a peer support officer program combined with a network of Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) to provide intervention, prevention, resiliency, training, and self-care services for law enforcement officers regardless of status.
Call Now 24/7 Support Line (855) 964-2583
https://bluelinesupport-bls.org/

THE WOUNDED BLUE
The Wounded Blue’sMission is to improve the lives of injured and disabled Law Enforcement Officers. By working to de-stigmatize mental health within the law enforcement community through its Peer Advocate Support Program and community outreach, the Wounded Blue can ensure that you are never forgotten and never alone. 
If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call us at (702) 290-5611 for 24/7 support. 
https://thewoundedblue.org/

Resources Specific to Veterans 

1-877-424-3838
https://www.va.gov/homeless

National VA Homeless Hotline- 24 Hour 
1-877-424-3838
https://www.va.gov/homeless

Miami-Dade Veteran Services
Veterans Services Program assists Veterans and their families (spouse, children, widows, parents of Veterans) with applying for Veteran benefits, claims and appeals to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Website: Click here for Link

United Way
We’re MISSION UNITED in Miami – a single point of entry for veterans to access the help they need, at no cost. MISSION UNITED helps address the unique needs of veterans. By connecting them to a coordinated network of community partners, we empower veterans and their families to lead productive lives in our community. Support services include job training and opportunities, legal resources, financial empowerment and more.
Website: https://unitedwaymiami.org/mission-united/

National Center for PTSD
As a Veteran, you have unique options for PTSD treatment and services to address other mental health needs. Learn about PTSD treatment in VA and Vet Centers as well as how to get connected with VA benefits or make claims.
Website: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/help_for_veterans.asp

HOPE Florida
Hope Florida, an initiative spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis, uses Hope Navigators to guide Florida veterans on an individualized path to prosperity and economic self-sufficiency by focusing on community collaboration between the private sector, faith-based community, nonprofits, and government entities. These experts work hand-in-hand with veterans to identify their unique barriers to success and engage all sectors of the community to break down traditional silos, maximizing support and uncovering opportunities.
Website: https://www.floridavets.org/resources/hope-florida

FIRST RESPONDER CRISIS RESOURCES WE TRUST

• First Responder Hope Line: 1-866-4FL-HERO
  
• HCA Florida Largo West Hospital First Responder Protocol: 727-460-3193
  *When you call, advise them you are calling for a First Responder Direct Admission so they can guide you through the steps to ensure your anonymity.
  
• HCA Florida West Tampa Hospital First Responder Protocol: 813-999-1431
  *When you call, advise them you are calling for a First Responder Direct Admission so they can guide you through the steps to ensure your anonymity.
  
• Shatterproof First Responder Program
  Shatterproof First Responder Program (FHE Health) for Specialized Mental Health & Addiction Treatment for First Responders recognizes the unique stressors that first responders face and offers specialized mental health and addiction treatment designed specifically for law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other frontline professionals. The Shatterproof First Responder Program provides confidential, evidence-based care to support long-term.For detox, residential, intensive outpatient, or partial hospitalization services, call 855-701-0748.
  
• eTMS
  eTMS is a one-of-a-kind personalized approach to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) that uses cutting-edge diagnostic techniques.
  
• eTMS is a drug-free treatment for conditions, such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
  
• eTMS sessions are painless, non-invasive, and often relaxing.
  
• eTMS treatment is entirely free for Veterans, Law Enforcement Officers, and First Responders.
  
• The personalized approach involves four steps: Recording EEG, Customized Treatment Plan overseen and approved by a licensed physician, Treatment, and Progress Evaluation.

Call 813-734-7767 or visit the eTMS website

SUICIDE AWARENESS 
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS

• Sudden and unexplained improvement in mood after being depressed or withdrawn (This may be a particularly dangerous sign because the officer has come to terms with death and is relieved the end is near.)
  
• Increased isolation (self-isolating from family, friends, fellow officers)
  
• Drastic behavioral changes (such as increased reckless behavior, increased aggression, increased substance use/ abuse, changes in work behaviors, neglecting appearance or hygiene, increased citizen complaints, becoming more hostile, argumentative, insubordinate or becoming passive, defeated, hopeless)
  
• Emotional expressions of hopelessness; meaninglessness; feeling like a burden (such as “It doesn’t matter anymore”; “Everyone would be better off without me”; wanting to non-exist; feeling out of control; feeling overwhelmed and unable to find solutions)
  
• Increased focus on death or suicide more so than what is usual (giving away cherished possessions; past attempts to die by suicide)

WARNING SIGNS THAT OFTEN IMPACT US

• Retired first responders are at increased risk (e.g. loss of identity, purpose, and excitement
• Internalized stigma related to having a mental health issue
• Distrust of mental health services
• Availability of firearms
• Excessive alcohol and substance use
• Escalating relationship issues, divorce, or end of significant partnership
• Frequent exposure to crisis situations and their cumulative impact
• Heightened sense of alert on and off duty
• Sense of calmness or serenity not appropriate for the situation
• Strains of shift work
• On an assignment without rest or sleep for an extended period
• Changes in sense of humor
• Getting investigated, disciplined, or suspended for a job-related or legal offense
• Issues with Admin
• Suffering from a recent loss of prestige
• Physical health problems (e.g. cancer, cardiovascular disease)
• Financial problems
• Losing interest and enjoyment in work
• Viewing problems as unsolvable through negative appraisal and unhealthy coping
• Fear of making mistakes; persistent perfectionistic behavior

Carefully vetted by the First Alarm Mental Health Committee and in partnership with the First Alarm Foundation:

•Mindset Solutions
•Soul Ambition
•Full Circle Therapy 
•NeuroHealth Treatment Center 
•BetterHelp

These trusted providers are committed to supporting first responders, survivors, and their families with compassionate, culturally informed mental health care.