Over the next few weeks, Dallas Fire-Rescue will roll out a new program to better help its members seek treatment for post-traumatic stress, substance abuse and work related mental health issues.
DFR Chief David Coatney said work on the program began last year, with representatives from all three fire associations working with the department to develop the program. Coatney said the suicide of one of their members in 2017 was among the driving forces behind the program’s creation.
“We’ve seen a number of struggles related to PTSD, some substance abuse issues in the organization and a lot of stressors,” Chief Coatney said.
Posters with a phone number for a newly created 24-hour hotline along with a hyperlink and QR code linking to a website will be placed in all DFR firehouses.