Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments
The Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments (PHFD) initiative provides tools and resources to support responder health and wellbeing. Scroll this page or use the following navigation links to learn more and access resources.
- Directory of Behavioral Health Professionals
- PHFD Implementation Toolkit
- PHFD Training
- Make the PHFD Commitment
- About the Initiative
- Share the Load Program
Directory of Behavioral Health Professionals
Emergency responders face unique challenges that can have a significant impact on behavioral health, and it is important that they have access to providers that understand this. The NVFC has compiled a searchable directory of behavioral health professionals vetted by the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) that either have firsthand experience with the fire and emergency services or have completed a training course through the FBHA to educate them on the fire service and the specific challenges they face. Learn more and access the directory here.
Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments: Implementation Toolkit
The Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments: Implementation Toolkit (Second Edition) is designed to help fire department leaders promote and foster well-being among their members. Having a healthy and engaged workforce creates successful, high-performing departments. The toolkit covers the six key categories of member involvement, health and safety, member growth and development, work-life-volunteer balance, member recognition, and effective communication. Each category is examined along with specific actions that can be taken, special issues to consider, case studies from successful departments, and additional resources. The toolkit was developed in collaboration with psychologists, including members and staff of the American Psychological Association.
Training has been developed to supplement the Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments: Implementation Toolkit and help leaders create a psychologically healthy fire department. A course is available in the NVFC Virtual Classroom and is currently being offered for free to everyone.
You can also request the Building a Healthy and High-Performing Fire Department training course in-person for your next event. Access the application form here. Please note that the training request will be reviewed by NVFC staff and members of the NVFC Board of Directors. You must anticipate at least 15 students.
Psychologically Healthy Fire Department (PHFD) Commitment
Make the commitment to support your fire or EMS department’s members! Take the following steps to show your commitment to creating or maintaining a psychologically healthy fire or EMS department:
- Submit this form
- Complete the Creating a Psychologically Healthy Fire Department course
- Review the PHFD: Implementation Toolkit
Upon completion of the training and the commitment form, your organization’s name and logo will be added to our online list of departments that are committed to establishing a healthy volunteer workforce. You will also receive a PHFD sticker and virtual logo to showcase your commitment to your members and community.
We recognize and appreciate these departments for making the commitment to their members.
The National Volunteer Fire Council launched the Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments initiative to support firefighters and EMS providers and create healthy, successful departments. It is made possible thanks to a Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
If you have questions about this initiative or any of its components, contact program manager Caroline Stachowiak at caroline@nvfc.org.
