May 27, 2026 Ohio launches program to support first responders’ mental health
The Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS) Division of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has launched a safe haven program for EMTs and firefighters seeking support for burnout, mental health concerns and substance use disorders.
The program is a collaboration between EMS and the Ohio Professionals Health Program (PHP). According to the groups, the safe haven program provides a confidential, therapeutic alternative to traditional regulatory involvement for all Ohio certificate holders and applicants and expands the Ohio PHP’s role in supporting healthcare professionals to include EMTs and firefighters.
“The State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services (EMFTS) is proud to have partnered with the Ohio PHP and the expertise they have honed, offering these highly trained professionals real hope at recovery and reintegration into the fire and emergency medical services professions to which they have dedicated their careers,” Robert Wagoner, executive director of the division of EMS and CEO of the EMFTS board, said in a news release this week.
The Ohio PHP is the official monitoring organization for Ohio’s EMS safe haven program. The group supports healthcare professionals across the state by partnering with multiple regulatory boards, providing access to service for more than 600,000 medical professionals.
“Ohio PHP is proud to offer confidential support services to certificate holders of the Ohio Division of Emergency Medical Services,” Ohio PHP Medical Director Dr. Richard Whitney said. “The safe haven program is designed to encourage emergency medical services professionals to seek timely assistance for conditions such as substance use disorders, mental health concerns and physically impairing health issues.”
According to the Ohio DPS, firefighters and EMTs face an increased risk of post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression because of repeated exposure to traumatic events. The program provides EMS professionals with access to resources that support long-term well-being.
Participants who agree to treatment and monitoring under the program and remain compliant will not face disciplinary action based solely on impairment, the DPS noted. Once referred to the program, participants can receive confidential community-based referrals and structured support through the Ohio PHP.
An EMS provider or firefighter who needs assistance with mental health or a substance use disorder is eligible to participate in the Safe Haven program as long as they do not have current or past disciplinary action with the Division of EMS for a similar issue.
Once an EMS provider or firefighter contacts the Ohio PHP, a clinical team will perform a confidential well-being screening and offer personalized recommendations, which can include further evaluation, counseling or treatment. If a diagnosis is confirmed, eligible licenses can enroll in long-term therapeutic monitoring through the safe haven program.
Ohio PHP uses a sliding fee scale to make services as accessible as possible.
