CHSA First Responder Program

Understanding and Coping
with Behavioral Health Issues

About

Alcohol and drug use, PTSD, compassion fatigue and suicide are but a few of the occupational hazards faced by first responders.

We understand that seeking treatment for these issues is not always easy or desirable, given the very real threats of stigma and possible occupational repercussions unique to the first responder profession

Our Helpline provides an entirely confidential, free, telephonic support and referral service that affords first responders the opportunity to seek treatment without fear of judgment, stigma or occupational threats.

We also provide online CE training providing first responders with the tools and information to recognize and address substance use and mental health issues of their own or of their peers

In person training and advocacy programs provide a group training option for departments looking for speaker sessions and live Q&A sessions regarding substance use and mental health disorders

First Responder Helpline

Referral and Recovery Support for Texas First Responders

The Heroes Helpline is a free, confidential service implemented to help first responders across Texas who may be experiencing symptoms of mental health or substance use disorders. We provide a brief telephone-based screening and referral intervention to assist individuals overcome barriers to substance use disorders or mental health disorders by navigating them to treatment and recovery.

Who is eligible?

Adult 18+ first responders in Texas (career or volunteer, active or retired law enforcement officer, firefighter, dispatchers, EMT, paramedic)
Any first responder experiencing signs and/or symptoms of substance use or mental health disorders

What do we do?

Discuss substance use or mental health concern with callers
Identify treatment options and connect callers to treatment based on their needs
Provide referrals to ensure confidential linkage to care
Offer follow-up phone-based peer support by a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS)
Navigate to social services, if needed (housing, transportation, employment)

How can you help?

Work with us to connect our first responders to treatment
Let us know if you will accept referrals from our service
Maintain confidentiality for first responder privacy
Please share the toll-free helpline number 1-833-EMS-IN-TX (367-4689)

First Responder Behavioral Health Training

First Responders Education and Advocacy for Texas First Responders

The First Responders Educational Campaign is a free, research-based learning service implemented to provide first responders across Texas with information regarding substance use and mental health disorders.

Our materials cover mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and compassion fatigue; and substance use issues including alcoholic use and opioid use disorders, among others.

Our self-paced, online CE training provides first responders with the tools and information necessary to recognize and address symptoms of substance use and mental health disorders in themselves or others

In-person training and advocacy provides a group learning session for departments seeking live presentations and Q&A sessions

Self Paced Online Training Open Enrollment Flyer Photo

What do we do?

Provide online and in-person training on substance use and mental health issues among first responders Help first responders recognize symptoms of substance use and mental health disorders in themselves and others
Confidentially identify treatment and support options for first responders
Grant continuing education (CE) credits, when applicable