ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County leaders are allocating $644,000 for behavioral health evaluations for Orange County Fire Rescue, a move aimed at strengthening mental health support for firefighters and other employees who routinely respond to traumatic emergencies.
What You Need To Know
- Orange County has approved $644,000 for behavioral health resources for Orange County Fire Rescue employees
- The program includes baseline mental health check-ins and expanded support services
- Support also includes peer teams, chaplain services, and therapy dogs
- Leaders say early intervention helps firefighters manage stress and trauma
The evaluations create an initial baseline assessment of an employee’s mental well-being, including work and home-related stress, and connects them with resources when needed. The contract runs through September 2026, with an option for the county to renew for an additional year.
At fire stations, leaders say support often starts in the same place first responders spend much of their shift: the kitchen table…