(DC Fire and EMS Peer Support) 202-455-8299
(National Suicide Hotline) 988
Ronit Reguer (DC Fire and EMS Behavioral Health Coordinator ronit.reguer@dc.gov )
Mental Health and Resilience: Stress is an inherent facet of our daily lives, an undeniable reality that becomes even more potent when intertwined with the demands of our personnel’s roles. The jeopardy it poses is indeed substantial. Particularly alarming are the rates of divorce and suicide observed among fire service personnel nationwide. This pressing concern necessitates focused attention and action.
The Department’s Peer Support Team, a partnership with Local 36 and Local 3721, is a steadfast pillar of support accessible 24/7 to all members in need. In the aftermath of traumatic events or emergencies, supervisors are strongly encouraged to harness the power of this invaluable resource. The mandate for all members is clear: vigilant monitoring of colleagues and proactive initiation of assistance whenever it’s warranted.
A complementary service offered is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) administered by the Police and Fire Clinic (PFC). This professional, voluntary, and confidential service encompasses a wide spectrum of counseling, ranging from matters like aging, retirement, and parenting concerns to more complex issues like drug and alcohol abuse, conflict resolution, and tobacco cessation programs. The broad array of assistance aims to foster the holistic well-being of every individual.
For immediate access to the Department’s Peer Support Team, members can reach out 24/7 at (202) 455-8299. Additional details can be found in the comprehensive resource, DC Fire and EMS Bulletin 42.
The pivotal role of orchestrating the mental health program falls on the Department Behavioral Health Coordinator. This role serves as the hub, aligning all components of the program toward a singular objective. Furthermore, the coordinator assumes the critical responsibility of advising the Health and Safety Deputy Fire Chief on potential enhancements or modifications to the behavioral health program.
Facilitating access to Behavioral Health Specialists at the PFC is the purview of the Medical Services Officer (BFC MSO). This channel is open to all members, fortified by a seamless referral process established between the coordinator, peer support, and the Behavioral Health Specialist. This harmonized approach ensures a unified front in safeguarding the mental well-being of our personnel.
Members may also use their health insurance to access support outside the Department if they prefer. The Behavioral Health Coordinator can assist you in finding a verified provider that is in your region and accepts your insurance.
In 2023, the department hired a full-time Behavioral Health Coordinator. This addition embodies the very nucleus of the multifaceted behavioral health program, assuming a central role in orchestrating its diverse dimensions. Tasked with coordination of all programs related to behavioral health, this coordinator’s influence will improve our members access to behavioral health care.
This appointment stands not just as an administrative decision but as a demonstration of the Department’s commitment to the holistic well-being of our members. It is a declaration of intent to elevate our standards, to redefine the contours of care, and to engrave a legacy where the behavioral health care is accepted, available and utilized by our members.
The Peer Support Team (PST) provides support to employees of the Department during times of personal or professional crisis through active listening and by assisting employees with accessing professional behavioral health resources and by educating members about preventative measures and strategies for wellness.
