Florida launches mental health hotline for first responders

Florida has launched a hotline for first responders dealing with mental health issues.

Those in need can call 1-866-4-FL-HERO (866-435-4376) or go online at lasttoask.com.

Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the “First Aid Hope Line” during a news conference in Tampa.

Moody said the statewide service evolved from several regional services in Florida that were successful. It aims to help police, firefighters and paramedics find help for injuries they have experienced on the job.

According to research conducted by Ruderman Family Foundationthe rate of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression among firefighters and police officers is five times higher than in the general population.

“We know that 34% of first responders in North America report depression and 30% experience anxiety,” Moody said. “In Florida, we have lost 81 first responders to suicide since 2019. This year alone we have already lost 12.”

Any lifeguard in Florida can call the hotline 24 hours a day, and calls are confidential. Moody said destigmatizing and encouraging professionals to seek mental health care will help them and their communities.

“If we continue to foster this culture of support and understanding, recognizing the invisible scars of trauma that first responders experience as a result of the events we see on the news every day, we will not only build a stronger nation, but we will build stronger and better officers,” she said.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 988 to access the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.