You are Seen. You are Supported.you are not alone. |
The SCEMSA is actively advancing mental health and wellness among EMS professionals through a range of thoughtful, targeted initiatives. From launching Keel Mind and SC PeerConnect, statewide peer support and behavioral health platforms, to supporting comprehensive training and education efforts and providing quality resources, SCEMSA is helping build a resilient workforce by reducing stigma, expanding access to resources, and fostering a culture of support across emergency services. If you would like to be a part of these initiatives in making a difference in the profession, please join in on our Health, Safety, and Wellness Committee meetings quarterly. Check the events calendar or the committees tab for more information. Listed below are some of our initiatives as well as resources available to first responders and their families. |
Keel mind | SC Peerconnect |
An AI-driven platform that facilitates behavioral health training and education while delivering measurement-based care. The Keel Mind platform is more than just a peer support tool—it’s a confidential, responder-focused space built for you. Connect with fellow first responders from across South Carolina who truly get it—whether you prefer messaging, voice, or video. Browse a diverse directory of trained peer supporters and choose who you want to talk to, on your terms. One-on-one or group sessions are available, and you’ll also gain access to an ever-growing library of wellness articles, self-assessment tools, and mental health resources tailored to the unique challenges of our work. Whether you need support or just want to stay grounded, Keel Mind is a quiet but powerful lifeline. Visit https://www.keel.digital/keelmind to learn more. To learn more about how your agency or peer team can get involved in Keel Mind, email Dr. Mandy Gattis. Download and share the flyers to help spread the word and also print out to post in your stations and agencies: | Our vision in South Carolina is that no first responder walks alone. SC PeerConnect, developed through the SC Public Safety Wellness Initiative in partnership with First Response Mental Health, provides first responders with proactive, continuous support by connecting them to peer support teams, psychologists, chaplains and mental health professionals. The platform is designed to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and normalize mental well-being discussions within the community. Additionally, it offers extensive health and wellness resources, self-assessment tools and access to local support teams, ensuring comprehensive care for first responders. To learn more about how your agency or peer support team can get involved, visit https://firstresponsemh.com/peerconnect/. |
Take a Breath, Then Take a StepResources: |
988 Lifeline- Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, 988 is available 24/7. Crisis Text Line- Call or text, free confidential 24/7 support at your fingertips. SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) - Mobile crisis is for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis; available 24/7, statewide. SHATTERPROOF FHE Health First Responders’ Program- a retreat that employs evidence-based therapies, medical care, and a comprehensive wellness program to help all first responders. Support 1- assists with organized training and additional funding for departmental needs before, during, and after critical events. Code Green Campaign- a first responder oriented mental health advocacy and education organization. Coastal Recovery- A center that offers a range of programs and services to help achieve recovery goals. Personalized treatment plans are tailored to your specific needs and circumstances, ensuring that you receive the best possible care. First Responders Foundation-Programming includes behavioral health services, physical fitness programs and classes, med management, and more, to serve and honor first responders and their families. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)- On this page, you will find information and a range of resources created especially for frontline health care professionals. You’ll also find actionable tips on building resiliency and well-being, plus ways for families to get involved. | The Big Red Barn Retreat- offers Posttraumatic Growth-Based Training and Services for Veterans, Active-Duty Military Members, National Guard, Reserve Soldiers, First Responders, and their Families. Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy- provides comfort and counsel to first responders, their families and the victims of crisis. The chaplains bring expert critical incident stress management and a caring presence to the most difficult, stressful scenes. Rebound Behavioral Health- offers a short-term acute recovery-oriented treatment program. This program is designed to rapidly identify treatment strategies to promote recovery and to provide the initial stabilization needed to return to work, home, family or other community placement. Share the Load Program- NVFC- provides access to critical resources and information to help first responders and their families manage and overcome personal and work-related problems. This includes the Directory of Behavioral Health Professionals as a resource to find local assistance for behavioral health issues. EMS/Fire Suicide Screening Self-Assessment Boulder Crest Foundation- the home of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). We offer life-changing programs free of charge to members of the military, veterans, and first responder communities, and their families. FirstNet Health and Wellness Programs- Customized health and wellness programs are essential for supporting first responders’ physical and mental wellness. FrontLine Groups- Online support sessions. The services provided are not psychotherapy or other medical types of interventions and are limited to supportive/educational interventions and self-care strategies. | Warriors Heart- provides private treatment for those who have Addiction or Chemical Dependencies, with co-occurring PTSD, or other psychological issues, including the effects of MTBI (mild traumatic brain injury). We want to help you become a Sober Confident Warrior! Harbor of Grace: National Law Enforcement & First Responder Wellness Center- is a comprehensive continuum of care destination for individuals suffering from mental health and chemical dependency addictions. 10-33 Foundation- provides free peer support and mental health crisis intervention for first responders and their families nationwide. Responder Strong- Working across branch boundaries to represent all who work in Emergency Response, we partner with our allies: researchers, clinicians, educators, foundations, and other non-profits to better support our own. Built for Responders by Responders, check out our Resources and Programs. SCLEAP- an employee assistance program that provides support services to law enforcement officers and their families.It offers confidential counseling, chaplaincy services, and critical incident stress management, including peer support teams, to help personnel cope with trauma, stress, and other challenges related to their work. Recovery Unplugged- a national behavioral health provider offering evidence-based care designed to remove barriers that stand in the way of long-term mental health and addiction recovery. 22Zero- We connect veterans, military, first responders, medical personnel, and their families with resources to treat PTSI and sub-clinical trauma successfully. We will help you reset your path back towards a better life. | South Carolina- Responder Support Initiative (SC-RSI)-provides essential support services to first responders, disaster personnel, and their families. Our mission is to help responders heal from the emotional and psychological challenges they face on the job. We offer peer support, chaplaincy, therapy K9s, critical incident support and many other services. LowCountry Firefighter Support Team- provides an array of services designed to meet the needs of our emergency services personnel and their families. SCFAST- provides awareness level training to all of our state’s first responders, to assist in recognizing daily stressors, both in their personal lives and during their emergency responses as well as to respond after potentially traumatic events. First Responders Peer Support Network- provides a variety of services to meet the needs of first responders, their families, and their agencies. Can also customize and deliver training on topics such as alcohol and substance abuse, marital issues, grief and bereavement, and suicide awareness. HopeWay- an accredited non-profit mental health treatment organization in Charlotte, NC that provides best practice behavioral health care and education for clients and their families. NextRung- We exist to make an impact in the lives of firefighters and first responders. Our goal is to provide quality resources that will help combat mental health issues that plague our profession. LightHouse Health and Wellness- a place for toolkits and additional resources. 911 At Ease International- provides first responders, and their family members, with access to free, professional, confidential, local, trauma-informed counseling and therapy. |