Primary Objectives
- Develop NWCG guidance that enables firefighters and fire managers to recognize hazards to mental health and wellness and take effective prevention and mitigation actions.
- Standardize processes for collecting and analyzing data on wildland firefighter mental health and wellness.
- Use this data to inform development of NWCG wildland firefighter mental health and wellness guidance.
- Provide a forum for all firefighters and managers to increase their knowledge of wildland firefighter mental health issues and contribute to improvements in this area.
Additional Resources
- A Preparedness Guide for Firefighters and Their Families (PMS 600)
- RT-130, WFSTAR: Wildland Fire Mental Health
- NWCG Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Desk Reference
- Reset: Firefighter and Family Members’ Reintegration Guide
2024 Suicide Prevention Materials
National Suicide Prevention Week
September 8-14, 2024
In the wildland fire community, we often refer to September as “Snaptember.” This is a time when we can really feel the grind of the fire season, mentally, physically, and emotionally. This month also holds a significant place as Suicide Prevention Month in the U.S. September reminds us to check in with ourselves and others and to reach out for help when needed.
The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee of the Risk Management Committee remains dedicated to sharing mental health resources and information with our wildland fire community throughout the year. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” reflects the importance of mutual support in all aspects of our lives — at work, with family, and among friends.
Please remember that one valuable resource is the 988 Lifeline, available 24/7 for free. Whether you need immediate support or just want to talk, you can call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor. You can also call if you’re worried about someone else. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, seek emergency help by going to the nearest emergency room or calling 911.
We urge you to foster conversations about mental health and share these resources within your teams and communities. By doing so, we strengthen our collective well-being and continue to support each other through the challenges we face.
Resources are available at https://988lifeline.org/
- We all need support sometimes. Help is always available, and reaching out is a sign of strength.
- Taking care of our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Both are vital for our overall well-being.
- Check in on your buddies and yourself. Regular check-ins can make a significant difference.
- It takes strength to ask for help. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you need it.
- Be the voice that gives someone hope. Your support can be a lifeline to others.
- Be the voice that gives someone hope. Your support can be a lifeline to others.
- Prevention starts with awareness. Be an advocate for mental health by knowing the resources available and sharing with others.
Hashtags:
#StrongerTogether #988 #SuicidePreventionMonth #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #SuicideAwareness #WildlandFirefighterMentalHealth
*If you receive messaging from someone in need of help, please refer to https://988lifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/SupportForSuicidalIndividuals_988.pdf as a resource
Past Suicide Prevention Month Materials
National Suicide Prevention Week
September 10-16, 2023
As members of the wildland fire community, we can each take steps to support the wellbeing of fellow wildland firefighters and wildland fire support personnel. Together, we can prevent suicide by increasing awareness, decreasing stigma, and taking steps to care for ourselves and others.
In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week, the NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee has created seven days of messaging to support wildland firefighter health and wellbeing.
We challenge you to use these materials to start a conversation about maintaining mental health and wellness with coworkers and to learn new ways of caring for yourself and others throughout the year. Each short piece takes only a few minutes to read but could provide information that makes a difference for you or someone else.
- Day 1: Opening Letter
- Day 2: Fighting mental health stigma
- Day 3: Five ways to support someone who is struggling
- Day 4: Navigating transitions
- Day 5: What to expect when you call a crisis line
- Day 6: Early Intervention
- Day 7: A Story of survivorship
