In collaboration with the Ohio Fire Academy and the Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), Ohio Emergency Medical Services is inviting first responders to attend a one-day event called First Responder Summit: Wellness, Self-Care and Resilience.  This on-line summit will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 8 a.m. until 4:15 p.m.

Ohio EMA Director Sima Merick will provide the opening keynote address regarding partnerships and collaboration.  A number of topics will be covered including: assisting first responder families, building relationships between the first responder community and mental health resources in their area and dealing with the immediate and long-term effects of trauma on first responders.  The summit will feature a lived-experience panel who will talk about their journey to wellness and resilience. 

The summit is targeted to first responders including: law enforcement, fire service, EMS, dispatch and corrections. 

Topics will include:

• Immediate and long-term effects of trauma on first responders
• Resilience
• Local mental health resources and partnerships
• Family issues
• Self-care

Plans are underway to provide training and technical assistance for those who work with first responders at a later date.

There is no cost for attendance.  You may register in advance if you have a State Fire Academy account or you can join in the day of the summit through the attached links.

First Responder Summit: Wellness, Self-Care, and Resilience – Morning Session

First Responder Summit: Wellness, Self-Care, and Resilience – Afternoon Session

If you have any questions, please contact Steve Click, First Responder Liaison, Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services  Steven.click@mha.ohio.gov  614-466-9938