ORLANDO, Fla. — Existing programs provide mental health support for our first responders. However, funding this request will aim to enhance these program’s accessibility and effectiveness while tackling the stigma around mental health in this community.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced a request for $3.6 million in funding to improve mental health care for Florida’s first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, dispatchers and Emergency Medical Services personnel.
Read: WATCH: Florida Hooters waitress tries to flirt with officer during DUI arrest
Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) will work with lawmakers and stakeholders statewide to secure funding and develop a comprehensive mental health, peer support program and psychological services to support Florida’s first responders.
Read: Central Florida counties to open cold weather shelters this week
Patronis said, “First responders face unique challenges daily, dealing with traumatic situations that can impact their mental health. Serving as your CFO and State Fire Marshal, I’ve seen first-hand the toll that tragedies like the Surfside building collapse and the Pulse Nightclub shooting took on these men and women. Unfortunately, our first responders see suffering every day, and it has led to an increase in issues like PTSD and suicide rates among these brave individuals.”
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2025 Cox Media Group
