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On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, GOAL hosted a Peer-to-Peer Resiliency training at FOP Lodge 5. The event was open to all first responders in the Philadelphia area, not just those who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Presenters from the First Responder Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health shared their expertise on stress management, coping skills, and self-care strategies for first responders. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in open discussions with the presenters and their peers.
This training is extremely important, as first responders, such as police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and dispatchers, are exposed to various traumatic events and stressful situations as part of their job duties. These experiences can significantly impact mental health and well-being, often leading to increased rates of mental health issues compared to the general population.
The nature of work means that first responders are frequently exposed to traumatic events, including accidents, injuries, deaths, and violence. They may also face personal risks to their own safety and that of their colleagues, which can add to the stress and anxiety of their job. Additionally, the long hours and irregular schedules associated with their work can disrupt their sleep and make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Providing mental health training is especially important to the members of GOAL. On June 7, 2019, founding GOAL member, Deputy Sheriff, and Army Veteran Dante Austin completed suicide. Training like this one help to honor Dante's legacy.