According to the National Center for PTSD, about 6% of the population of the Unites States will experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder at some point in their lives. Now, when it comes to our military and first responders-those who spend their careers ensuring the safety of the general population, their rate of PTSD is estimated to be around 33% (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA). Breaking down rates of PTSD among first responders and military, it is estimated that 20-25% of firefighters, 15-20% of EMS, 33% of police officers, and 7% of veterans (but this number varies significantly based on service era) will have PTSD.  It is also estimated that these numbers are significantly higher, but due to the historical stigma associated with mental health among first responders and military, many cases go unreported—which means individuals are not getting the help they need. There are a lot of factors that play into PTSD, but it is estimated that first responders experience 200% more traumatic events than the general population leading to higher incidences of PTSD. Many in the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati area are working to change this stigma and provide easier access to resources and help for these individuals. Liz Evans, Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences in Boone County is one of those individuals.

Boone County Family and Consumer Sciences partnered with Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky & Southwest Ohio to bring the program Workplace Stress and Wellness: Basic PTSD for Military and First Responders to the area. This four-hour training was led by Dr. Kathleen Chard of the UC Stress Center and Sergeant Dave Corlett (Ret.) and covered basics of PTSD, the neuroscience behind PTSD, treatment options, real world scenarios and stories, and both clinical and peer support resources. It was open to all first responders, military, and veterans and was conducted during both day and evening times to allow for individuals working different shifts to be able to attend. A healthy meal was also provided during both classes to allow those who were attending to be able to adequately fuel their body during an emotionally heavy program. At the end of the program, Liz Evans, who also assists with the Kentucky First Responder Peer Support Team, discussed additional resources available to those in the area.

Between the two sessions, 23 people attended the program. Out of those who attended, 100% reported learning something new that would be beneficial to their life. Most reported being more aware of symptoms to look for in not only themselves but also their coworkers and to act quickly to address the underlying issue. Many attendees noted that they wanted to explore more in depth the resources and programs that were mentioned. One attendee reported after the program they sought out one of the resources discussed and were able to decrease their PSTD symptoms from the severe category down to the subthreshold or does not meet criteria for PTSD category based on the PTSD checklist for DSM-5.  

Mental health challenges, and specifically PTSD, is on the rise among our first responders. While there are starting to be changes for the better surrounding the stigma of mental health challenges in the world of first responders, there is still a long way to go. The Workplace Stress and Wellness: Basic PTSD for Military and First Responders was one additional step in the right direction.