First responders are the ones who are trained to take care of others in times of emergency and usually are the first to arrive to a crisis. But while first responders— law enforcement officers, firefighters, 911 dispatchers and emergency medical responders— are busy taking care of others, who takes care of them?
The Center for First Responders is a unique program that is offered by the Village Center for Holistic Therapy in Shaler. “We developed the Center for First Responders to meet a need for first responders and their family members seeking support and connection. We have hosted peer support groups, therapeutic groups, Mindful Connections programming by Awaken Pittsburgh, tactical yoga classes taught by a yoga instructor who works in law enforcement, in addition to the TRP Protocol and mental health counseling services,” explained Kristy Weidner, clinical director and licensed clinical social worker/certified clinical trauma professional. Weidner is co-owner of the Village Center for Holistic Therapy with Victor Barbetti and founder/owner of InJoy Meditation LLC.
In the wake of the widespread social and economic upheaval caused by the COVID pandemic, Weidner said she saw the need for services for first responders and developed the Center for First Responders in 2020. “After working with first responders and veterans in therapy sessions, I saw the need for a better way to treat and support the unique challenges they and their families face on a daily basis,” she said.
At the time, Weidner was exploring a working relationship with Awaken Pittsburgh, which offers mindfulness practices through their Mindful Connections curriculum. When they received a grant from the Staunton Farm Foundation, the money allowed for two pilot programs. “I wanted one of those to focus on sharing their work with first responders. I was lucky enough to have quite a few provide me with feedback on how to best tailor these practices for veterans and first responders,” Weidner said.
Participating in the pilot project and group was the Chief of Police from Shaler, several lieutenants, and officers, EMTs, fire officials and staff from the Medical Examiner’s Office. After that first successful program, Weidner and Stephanie Romaro, executive director of Awaken Pittsburgh, received a grant for $150,000 to run the Mindful Connections program specifically for first responders. “We have always included the 911 operation center, medical examiner’s office, corrections officers, and violence prevention workers in addition to law enforcement, fire and EMT workers. Workers came from the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and surrounding municipalities,” she said.
Through the nine-week program, Weidner said that they offer and teach a wide range of mindfulness and meditation opportunities and techniques. “This is a great opportunity to try different tools and to ‘keep what works and toss the rest.’” she said.
According to Weidner, the Village offers individual, couples and group mental health counseling from a holistic approach, focusing not on pathology, but on strength and resilience of their clients to work together to address all aspects of their life and relationships. “By considering the whole person and their lifestyle, we promote overall well-being through the use of psychotherapy and mindfulness techniques,” she said. Eight of their therapists specialize in working with first responders and their families. “All of them have advanced training in the treatment of trauma. We also have a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner and various support staff who provide opportunities for nutrition counseling, yoga, and meditation classes,” she said.
The programming has been well received, Weidner said, with many participants continuing to use the practices in their professional and personal lives. “I’ve seen more people than ever before with a willingness to be open to trying something that might provide them relief from anxiety, anger, insomnia, substance misuse, relationship strain and many other things. Also, I see a desire to support one another and to actually talk about mental health and break the stigma,” she said.
For more information, visit: https://www.villagetherapy.org/centerforfirstresponders.
As a patrolman with the Northern Regional Police Department, Kurt Gilkinson sees firsthand the stresses the job can place on a first responder. When he lost his best friend to suicide (not a first responder), it changed his life. “That really opened my eyes to this epidemic - suicide. Being in law enforcement I have also seen many instances with police officers taking their own lives, both active and retired. The same thing goes for EMS and fire personnel,” Gilkinson said, “We have to create a culture where these alpha personalities in these professions can talk about the tragedy and loss.”
Last year, Gilkinson created a Suicide Awareness walk sponsored by the Northern Regional Police Department. “This September will be the second year for this. All proceeds from this event will go straight to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention,” he said.
Awareness, programming and resources for first responders are important, Gilkinson explained. “People not in this line of work do not physically see the tragedy we see day in and day out. We see people at their worst times and have to respond accordingly. We all need to be taking care of ourselves not just physically, but mentally as well,” he said.
After his own personal loss, Gilkinson said “it absolutely crushed me.” By creating the walk, it will help create more awareness for others about mental health services and suicide, he said. “I have utilized mental health resources in the past, and it was very helpful for me. I just want people to realize that it’s ok to not be ok and to reach out for the help that they need. We do not need to suffer in silence. That will only lead to addiction, vices, and other issues,” he said.
In addition to supporting the Suicide Walk and other services, Gilkinson said the public can help support their first responders in other ways. “Simply saying hello while at the convenience store...just to know that you are supported by your community is such a blessing,” he said.
The Suicide Prevention Walk will be held on Saturday, September 21st from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Pine Community Park. For more information visit: https://nrpolice.com/.
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