NewsRadio WFLA (WFLF-AM)

What's the Fix: Prescription For Change

NewsRadio WFLA (WFLF-AM)

  • Meet Kelly Savage - First Responders need help too!

Meet Kelly Savage - First Responders need help too!

Friday 15th October 2021

Kelly Savage discusses the unique mental health and substance abuse challenges faced by first responders and the need for specialized treatment.
46 minutes
Informative
Hopeful
Empowering
Engaging
Thought-provoking

About this podcast

What's the Fix: Prescription For Change
Author:
NewsRadio WFLA (WFLF-AM)
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Financial Health in Recovery
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Body & Mind
Links:
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Episodes:
23 (View all)
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Kelly Savage on First Responders: Addressing Mental Health and Substance Abuse

As a culture, and by no fault of our own, we think of post-traumatic stress and Ptsd as a military issue and something experienced by combat veterans.
Ever wondered how first responders cope with the trauma they face daily? In this episode of 'Turning Points: A Compass for Mental Health and Recovery', host Andrae Bailey sits down with Kelly Savage from the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) to tackle this very issue. They dive into the unique mental health challenges faced by those who are often the first on the scene in emergencies.
Savage shares how the IAFF recognized the need for specialized treatment centers tailored to first responders, who regularly encounter traumatic situations and substance exposure. The conversation sheds light on the compounded trauma experienced by these heroes and the necessity of normalizing mental health discussions from an early age. Savage also touches on the pros and cons of telehealth, especially in the context of the pandemic, which has exacerbated mental health and substance abuse issues.
As Savage puts it, “We often think of PTSD as a military issue, but it’s something first responders deal with too”. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the mental health struggles of first responders and the importance of providing them with the right support. Whether you’re a first responder yourself, have a loved one in the field, or simply want to be more informed, this discussion offers valuable insights into the critical need for specialized care.