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New Mental Health Initiative for First Responders in Laurel County

Laurel County, Ky. has launched a new program to support first responders’ mental health. This initiative was spearheaded by nurse practitioner Rosie Ebertshauser and a dedicated team of behavioral health professionals.

The program offers free, confidential wellness check-ins and monthly peer support groups for all first responders in the county. This includes EMS personnel, firefighters, police, sheriff’s deputies, dispatchers, rescue squads, and air medical crews. Ebertshauser’s goal is to create a safe space where these frontline workers can discuss their mental health without fear of judgment.

“It’s easy to become numb to emotions in this line of work,” Ebertshauser noted. “We want to help them before it gets to that point.”

This initiative is a collaboration between His Hands Family Care and Second Mile Behavioral Health. Michelle Allen Smith, CEO of Second Mile, emphasized how often first responders are overlooked when it comes to mental health needs. “They arrive first at the scene and witness the worst situations. They deserve support, too,” she said.

Sheriff John Root also shared his endorsement. He pointed out the difficulty in maintaining composure while facing trauma. “Many think they can handle it alone, which can lead to serious issues down the line.”

The check-ins and support groups will adhere to strict privacy standards under HIPAA, ensuring confidentiality. This means that conversations will remain private and will not be reported back to their departments. The sessions will occur monthly, with plans to introduce centralized group meetings soon.

For firefighter and EMT Parker Ebertshauser, the cause is personal. He spoke about his own positive experience with mental health care, saying, “It truly was a turning point for me, not only at work but in my family life as well.”

Shawn Allen, the HR Director for Second Mile Behavioral Health, is also involved. He founded the nonprofit First Responders of Laurel County to provide additional support to local heroes. “We want them to know they are valued and appreciated,” he said.

The team hopes to expand this program to neighboring counties and introduce support services for the families of first responders in the future. This proactive approach to mental health is crucial, especially as recent studies show that first responders experience higher rates of PTSD compared to the general population.

Programs like this could be critical in reducing stigma and providing the necessary support for those who serve on the front lines, proving they are not alone in their struggles.

For more information, you can contact Rosie at (606) 231-6858.

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