Member News
IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery
Thousands of IAFF members struggle with substance abuse, post-traumatic stress and other mental health issues, but it doesn’t have to be a secret.
IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery is exclusively for members suffering with addiction, post-traumatic stress and related issues. The Center is the only facility of its kind to address the unique needs and demands that fire fighters, paramedics and dispatchers face every day.
Rest assured, you can call with peace of mind, in complete confidence and without repercussions at the firehouse. After treatment, you have the opportunity to return to your calling, but seeking the appropriate care — before it’s too late — is critical.
24-Hour Helpline 844.359.8764
- All communication with the Center of Excellence is 100 percent confidential. The Center abides by HIPAA privacy laws, so you can reach out knowing that the information you disclose will not be shared with anyone — including your supervisor, local president or your coworkers.
- Addiction among IAFF members is more common than you think. Recent studies show that 56 percent of fire fighters binge drink, and one in five will suffer from post-traumatic stress at some point in their careers. Addiction is only one piece of the puzzle. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
- The cost of NOT reaching out is too high. Consider the consequences of not reaching out: the condition could intensify. Family, friends and coworkers could be affected. It could even cost you your career — or worse — your life.
Know someone who needs help? It may seem like the best way to help a friend is to protect them. But remaining silent can put them at an increased risk of life-altering and career-changing mistakes. The best thing you can do for a friend or loved one is encourage them to get treatment.
Not ready to speak to your friend or coworker yourself? An IAFF Center of Excellence coordinator can take the step for you. By anonymously calling, you can confidentially submit a friend or loved one’s contact information, with no repercussions for either party. A representative will get in touch to help save a career, family and life. No one will know it was you who made the call.
Still concerned about asking for help? According to NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments, “members shall be offered counseling/treatment, because in most cases substance abuse is a medical illness.” Additionally, NFPA 1582 states “members shall be referred for counseling/treatment and individually evaluated.” Lastly, the standard also clearly states that possession of one or more of the conditions listed for incumbent fire department members in Chapter 9, Essential Job Tasks — Specific Evaluation of Medical Conditions in Members, does not indicate a blanket prohibition for such incumbent member from continuing to perform the essential job tasks, nor does it require automatic retirement or separation from the fire department."
Simply stated, seeking treatment does not mean a member will not be able to return to the job they love. In fact, seeking treatment may save their job. Completing treatment can help you or someone you know manage a mental health condition or substance abuse disorder and continue on in the career they love, instead of risking their job because of an untreated condition.
We’re here to see you succeed. When you call the IAFF Center of Excellence, you won’t be added to a phone list, and you don’t have to commit to treatment. You’ll speak with someone who’s been in your boots and cares about your well-being. Call the IAFF Center of Excellence or complete an online form to take the first step toward recovery.