The Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.
In this episode, we will introduce you to Lyf Johnson and Pam Dooley. Lyf is a 911 dispatcher with Dearborn Police and Fire and Pam is a dispatcher for the Oakland County Sherriff Department. As long-time dispatchers, Lyf and Pam are aware of the work-related challenges faced by their fellow first responders. Unfortunately, it is common for frontline workers to not get the care that they need to prevent or alleviate stress, PSTD, anxiety, depression, or mental and behavioral health challenges.
During this episode, we have an open and honest dialogue about various barriers that prevent first responders from getting the help that they need. Specifically, in this episode we will focus on stigma, avoidance, repercussions, as well as the cost and availability of care.
Frontline Strong Together, or FST5, provides streamlined access to behavioral health resources, as well as increased access to crisis services to Michigan’s front line five, which includes all professional, part-time, and volunteer firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, corrections officers, and 911 dispatchers. The Michigan Crisis and Access Line, or MiCAL, serves as the central call center for the FST5 Program.
NEED HELP NOW? If you are experiencing any crisis – work related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, financial, or any other, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG.
Hosts:
Geoff Lassers (Lassers126@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD
Mike Mattern (michaelmattern229@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD
Guests:
Lyf Johnson, Dearborn Police and Fire Dispatch
Pam Dooley, Oakland County Sheriff Dispatch