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Public commenter urges Hampton to prioritize mental-health supports for first responders
Summary
A resident urged the council to treat mental health as a core safety priority for firefighters, police and EMS, noted limits of the city's EAP and asked for protections against workplace retaliation for those seeking help.
Rebecca Nick, a member of the public who spoke during the comment period, called on the council to increase mental-health supports for first responders.
Nick said many firefighters and emergency medical responders are exposed to traumatic incidents and that "the cumulative effects of these exposures on emergency personnel may result in psychological injuries and even suicide." She said the city's Employee Assistance Program provides what she believes is 10 sessions and that a critical incident stress management meeting was convened after the October 21 fire. Nick urged a "major culture shift in how the city views mental health in our first responders" and asked the council to guarantee that seeking help will not result in workplace retaliation.
The council did not take immediate action on the request at the meeting; public comment concluded and the meeting proceeded to scheduled agenda items.
