The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS) celebrated the opening of the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery on March 5, 2017 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
The IAFF Center of Excellence is the first behavioral health treatment center exclusively for firefighters.
Located about 30 minutes from Washington, D.C., the center is the first specialized facility dedicated to treating firefighters and paramedics with post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. The behavioral health treatment center exclusively serves more than 300,000 IAFF members.
The Center of Excellence is the result of collaboration between the IAFF and Advanced Recovery Systems, one of the leading rehab treatment providers in the country.
“ARS is committed to putting behavioral health issues front and center, and this Center of Excellence really allows us to do that by offering high-quality, evidence-based therapeutic care to the men and women who protect communities across North America,” ARS Chairman Lewis Gold said in a press release.
IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger addresses the crowd during the opening ceremony.
Firefighters and guests attended the opening of the center. The event featured speeches from head members of IAFF and a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Gold and IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger.
Attendees also received a tour of the facility, which spans multiple buildings on a 15-acre campus and houses 58 beds.
In addition to the necessary treatment spaces, the facility also features a gym, basketball court, volleyball court and an on-site walking trail. The physical activity options give firefighters the opportunity to stay in shape for the job while they work toward recovery.
Upon completion of the program, the center provides aftercare resources and assistance with finding a support network close to home.
“This will be a place where we’ll send them home with the treatment protocol and follow up and care for them so they really can heal,” Schaitberger said in his speech at the event.
A Focus on PTSD and Co-Occurring Disorders
The facility specializes in treating co-occurring disorders — a simultaneous diagnosis of a substance use disorder and one or more mental health conditions — paying particular attention to treating PTSD.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses affecting firefighters, an occupation facing rates of PTSD similar to rates of PTSD in combat veterans, according to Gold.
Patrick Morrison, IAFF assistant to the general president, says the center will make a difference in the lives of firefighters affected by PTSD.
The IAFF Center of Excellence is the product of a partnership between IAFF and Advanced Recovery Systems.
“One in five firefighters throughout their career will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, and we know if we have those numbers, we need to do something about it,” Morrison said during an interview at the opening ceremony. “I think this center is the way we’re going to approach to make sure they get the care they need.”
The center also offers treatment for a wide range of other mental health disorders.
“We’re a center to treat firefighters who have anxiety, depression, complicated grief, acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder as well as addictions,” said Abby Morris, medical director of the Center of Excellence.
Response from Firefighters
The response from guests who attended the event was very positive. Jen Stuhlman, IAFF 2nd district state service representative, says the center is welcoming and creates a comfortable environment for firefighters.
“[The center] has done a great job at bringing home here so that when we’re here we can kind of focus more on the recovery and hopefully detract a little bit from missing our home,” Stuhlman said during an interview at the event.
Staff members at the Center of Excellence not only work with firefighters to ensure a smooth transition back to home and work, but also their families. They help family members develop a support network and accountability plans for firefighters returning home.
“We are constantly looking for ways to help our members,” said Carlton Jones, president of IAFF Local 753. “We know what the problem is, and this facility in Maryland is the answer.”
Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.