Outlines new joint effort to provide mental health care.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and Agriculture (USDA) recently hosted a three-day summit in Boise, Idaho, to accelerate the development of mental health care for wildfire firefighters. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack spoke at the event, and department leadership hosted a number of meetings with wildland firefighters, gathering vital feedback about their current mental health services and how interdepartmental efforts can help their services improve.
“Wildland fire personnel are the backbone of the federal government’s ability to protect public and Tribal lands, vital infrastructure, and communities from wildfires. They work in incredibly stressful environments that can have significant impacts on their health and wellbeing, including their mental health,“ the Department of the Interior press secretary stated. “By bridging existing mental health services and filling the gaps to address the full spectrum of wildland firefighter health and wellbeing needs, this program will increase access to services that build resiliency, improve mental preparedness, recognize the importance of self-care, and address the effects from cumulative stress.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Vilsack as he collaborates in the support of firefighter mental health.
- For Secretary Haaland as she oversees the promotion of services for mental health for firefighters.
- For the well-being of firefighters, first responders, and law enforcement officers.
Sources: Department of the Interior
