Full Breakdown
Ohio Launches Safe Haven Program to Support First Responders' Mental Health
6/9/2026, 11:07:52 AM
Statewide Launch of the Safe Haven Program for Firefighters and EMTs
The Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Division of EMS, in partnership with the Professional Health Program, has rolled out the Safe Haven Program for firefighters and emergency medical technicians across the state. The initiative provides confidential assistance for burnout, mental-health challenges, and substance-use disorder. Participation may be initiated by the responder or by a supervisor, creating a direct pathway to professional help without affecting duties.
Background and Need for Mental-Health Support
Safe Haven Programs have previously served other sectors of the medical field, but this rollout marks the first time the model is available to Ohio’s fire and EMS personnel. First responders face unpredictable calls and repetitive exposure to stressful scenes, which can accumulate into chronic stress, burnout, and substance-use concerns.
Leaders and Official Response
Joel Demory, interim director of the Ohio Division of EMS, called the Safe Haven Program “a long-time-coming” solution and emphasized that first responders “have to be tough” yet often lack post-incident support. Worthington Battalion Chief Mark Lundy noted that the toll is not only from “big gory incidents” but also from the “repetitive” nature of calls, urging colleagues to acknowledge when they are “not OK.”
Anticipated Impact on Public Safety
Proponents argue that early mental-health intervention will improve individual well-being, reduce cumulative stress, and sustain operational readiness, thereby enhancing the quality of emergency response.
On-the-Ground Perspective
A participating first responder said sharing personal struggles can make it easier for peers to seek help, noting that such openness “didn’t used to happen” among emergency crews.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Safe Haven Program is a program that’s been a long time coming,” — Joel Demory, Interim Director, Ohio Division of EMS
- “It’s not just from the big gory incidents; it’s the repetitive,” — Mark Lundy, Battalion Chief, Worthington Division of Fire and EMS
- “It’s OK to wave the flag and say, ‘I’m not OK,'” — Mark Lundy, Battalion Chief, Worthington Division of Fire and EMS
- “I’ve been there and I just wanted to share with them that I’ve been there and maybe the fact that I’ll step up and say, ‘Hey, I’m dealing with these things,’ will make it more comfortable for somebody else to say it because that didn’t used to happen.” — Anonymous first responder
Next Steps for Program Implementation
The Safe Haven Program is now active statewide. Supervisors are instructed to inform team members of the confidential resources, and ongoing monitoring will track utilization and outcomes to guide possible expansions.
