July 14, 2020
Bulletin 25-20

A Message from UFLAC’s Behavioral Health Service Director

 

2020 has been quite a year so far, and we are only about halfway through! To date, we have faced a worldwide pandemic, social unrest, the Boyd Street Incident, an earthquake, and then a COVID-19 surge. The thing that is so remarkable is that all of these extraordinary events are in addition to the normal day-to-day operations of the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

Our role in all of this on the Behavioral Health side is to focus on the emotional wellbeing of our Fire Department members and our members’ families. The nature of the job is to repeatedly respond to emergency situations quickly and professionally. There can be a cumulative stress load that comes along with the job that can affect our members and our members’ loved ones. 

UFLAC and the LAFD recognize the needs of the membership and are building robust, culturally competent behavioral health programs to support the emotional wellbeing of our members as well as your families. The Union and the Department both encourage members to utilize these confidential services when needed. Peer Support and professional behavioral health resources are both available on a 24/7 basis, at no cost for our members and your families. Above all, we want our members and families to know that you are never alone. We are just a phone call away if needed.

Thank you for the long hours that you put in during a shift and thank you to the families who pick up the slack at home when you are at work. We appreciate you all.

Take Care and Stay Safe!

 

Dr. Steve
Behavioral Health Services Director
United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, IAFF Local 112
Office: 1-800-252-8352, Ext. 245
Cell: 818-645-9027