Saving Ourselves
Empowering First Responders and Their Families
Prioritizing mental health and resilience for those who serve on the front lines.
About the Program
Saving Ourselves: A Mental Health Movement for First Responders
This five-hour workshop, led by veteran first responder and educator Brad Lawson, addresses the mental health challenges faced by first responders and their families. Through personal stories, evidence-based practices, and interactive discussions, attendees gain practical tools to promote resilience, improve relationships, and foster positive change.
"You can't pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your mental health isn't just
self-care—it's the foundation for serving others with strength and resilience."
Understanding the Unseen Struggles of First Responders
Why It Matters
First responders are the backbone of our communities, but the mental health challenges they face often go unaddressed.
- Stress, trauma, and burnout are daily realities for first responders.
- 1 in 3 first responders experiences PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
- Rates of substance use and suicide are significantly higher in first responder professions compared to the general population.
The Ripple Effect:
The stress doesn’t stop at the station. It impacts families, friendships, and overall quality of life. Without the right tools and support, these challenges can feel overwhelming.
This is why “Saving Ourselves” exists. We’re here to break the stigma, provide practical strategies, and create stronger, healthier communities—one first responder at a time.
What you'll gain
Equip Yourself with the Tools for Lasting Resilience and Support
Practical tools for daily resilience
Improved understanding of mental health challenges
Stronger family and team connections
Why Peer Support Matters
First responders often face unique challenges:
- Exposure to repeated high-stress scenarios and trauma.
- Stigma around seeking mental health support within responder culture.
- The misconception that asking for help signifies weakness rather than resilience.
Peer support programs offer a solution by fostering understanding and emotional support among responders.
- Acknowledges Shared Experiences: Responders provide emotional support based on firsthand understanding of the stressors unique to their work.
- Breaks Down Stigma: Peer programs normalize seeking help, making it easier for responders to address mental health needs.
- Strengthens Teams: By building team cohesion and offering reflective listening, responders support each other through critical incidents.
- Promotes Healthy Behaviors: Peer models demonstrate resilience and share resources for mental health care.
Here are a few organizations dedicated to helping first responders through peer support:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Offers resources tailored to public safety professionals.
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): Provides training to assist peers during mental health or substance-related crises. Specialized programs are available for fire and EMS personnel.
- International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP): Develops guidelines for peer support programs.
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Meet Brad Lawson
With over 25 years of service as a first responder and 20 years as an educator, Brad Lawson brings unique insight and compassion to his role as a mental health advocate. As the Director of Practical Programs for Meducate, Inc., Brad is dedicated to improving the work culture and mental health of emergency personnel. His workshops draw from personal experience, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to fostering hope and resilience.
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