America… We Are Failing Our First Responders & Their Families

By Vanessa Stapleton – President Armor Up West Virginia

Now, more than ever, as I watch the news or scroll through social media, I see story after story of chaos and violence. In the midst of all the chaos are the brave heroes sworn to protect and serve. This year has brought a wave of new and unprecedented circumstances like we have never seen in our generation.

Should First Responders Try & Find Their Own Resources?

By Vanessa Stapleton – President Armor Up West Virginia

Organizations like Safe Call Now (the national crisis hotline for first responders and their families) and Serve and Protect (which offers trauma services to first responders and their families) have been around for over a decade. They have been helping first responders, confidentially, find the best help in the country longer than most first responders have been working. They know which programs work, and also which programs are not as effective.

A Day In The Life Of A First Responder In Treatment

By Vanessa Stapleton – President Armor Up West Virginia

Mental health disorders and addiction are some of the most pressing issues facing the public health system today. Some people are at a greater risk of developing these conditions than others, such as individuals who are exposed to traumatic events. This includes first responders; the first people to show up at the scene of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or serious crime.