27-01-2025
This Kentucky wellness center provides mental health resources to first responders
WILMORE, Ky. (FOX 56) — First responders such as firefighters are so busy taking care of others that they may not take enough time to prioritize their mental health.
That's where the Compass Center comes in. The Willmore-based therapy center has partnered with the Franklin County Fire Department. Dr. Blake Jones, with the Compass Center, said this is a great way to show appreciation for all they do.
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'For probably the last 20 years, I've been really focusing a lot of my work on first responders, and that really came about through a conversation I had with a friend of mine who was a police officer at the time. He said we just need more therapists who are trained to work with first responders,' Jones said.
As part of the program, the Compass Center will do annual wellness checks, among other things, to make sure no trauma has to stay with any of the firefighters.
'The average person may see 4 or 5 traumatic events in their life. They may witness someone dying, or they may have a car wreck or something like that. First responders typically witness several hundred traumatic events in their career,' Jones said.
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Having good mental health means these firefighters will always be ready to serve at a moment's notice. Now the contract is signed, and the relationship can start. One that includes more than only mental health services.
'Through those wellness checks, we talk about more than mental health. We talk about relationships, sleep, finances, and nutrition. The approach is very holistic,' Jones said.
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