Resolution No. 37 – Safe Call Now

Resolution No. 37
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Health & Safety
Re: Safe Call Now – Withdrawn

1	WHEREAS, the job of a fire fighter is physically
2	and mentally challenging; and
3	WHEREAS, the physical and emotional stresses
4	of our profession have an adverse impact on fire
5	fighters both professionally and personally; and
6	WHEREAS, due to these stresses some fire
7	fighters may suffer from problems with substance
8	abuse, marital and family problems, loss of a loved
9	one, financial problems, traumatic incident
10	responses, PTSD, suicide, and other behavioral and
11	mental health issues; and
12	WHEREAS, many jurisdictions simply offer a
13	generic Employee Assistance Program designed for
14	all employees; and
15	WHEREAS, most fire fighters are fearful of the
16	impact and stigma a request for help for these issues
17	can have on their careers, and are reluctant to take
18	advantage of EAP programs to ensure confidentiality
19	and protect their families; and
20	WHEREAS, without proper intervention and
21	treatment these issues eventually lead to tragic
22	situations that have bad impacts on the personal and
23	professional lives of fire fighters; and
24	WHEREAS, fire fighters need a trusted source
25	they can turn to when they are dealing with these
26	challenges; and
27	WHEREAS, Safe Call Now is a confidential,
28	comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service
29	specifically designed for fire fighters, police officers,
30	public safety personnel, and their families to speak
31	confidentially with trained fire fighters, police
32	officers, public safety professionals and/or mental
33	healthcare providers who are familiar with our
34	profession; and
35	WHEREAS, Safe Call Now is currently used by
36	fire fighters, police officers, FBI agents, ATF agents
37	and members of the U.S. Secret Service; and
38	WHEREAS, Safe Call Now communication is
39	legislatively protected under RCW 43.101.425
40	entitling the caller to privileged communication from
41	any state or province; and
42	WHEREAS, Safe Call Now has a proven track
43	record of success and professional and reliable
44	assistance for fire fighters that far exceeds EAP
45	programs; and
46	WHEREAS, Safe Call Now is a 501(c)3 non-
47	profit organization, established in 2009, and managed
48	by a Board of Directors, that relies solely on
49	sponsorships, donations, and grants to fund the
50	organization; and
51	WHEREAS, the mission statement of the IAFF
52	Foundation is to: “Support and protect the health,
53	safety and welfare of fire fighters, paramedics and
54	their families, as well as the communities they
55	serve”; and
56	WHEREAS, the John P. Redmond Fund was
57	established to address the health and safety issues
58	associated with firefighting; therefore be it
59	RESOLVED, That the IAFF adopt and advertise
60	Safe Call Now as a critical resource and treatment
61	coordinator for mental and behavioral health care for
62	fire fighters; and be it further
63	RESOLVED, That the IAFF contribute $20,000
64	annually, with $10,000 appropriated annually from
65	the IAFF Charitable Foundation and $10,000
66	appropriated annually from the John P. Redmond
67	Fund; and be it further
68	RESOLVED, That the IAFF provide a
69	representative to serve on the Safe Call Now Board
70	of Directors.

Submitted by: Local 27, Seattle, WA
Cost Estimate: ¾ cent

Resolution No. 37 – Safe Call Now

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