The Minds on the Frontline Podcast brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.
In this episode, we will introduce you to Lyf Johnson and Pam Dooley. Lyf is a 911 dispatcher with Dearborn Police and Fire and Pam is a dispatcher for the Oakland County Sheriff Department. As long-time dispatchers, Lyf and Pam are aware of the work-related challenges faced by their fellow first responders. Unfortunately, it is common for frontline workers to not get the care that they need to prevent or alleviate stress, PSTD, anxiety, depression, or mental and behavioral health challenges.
During this episode, we have an open and honest dialogue about various barriers that prevent first responders from getting the help that they need. Specifically, in this episode we will focus on stigma, avoidance, repercussions, as well as the cost and availability of care.
Host - Geoff Lassers (Lassers126@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD
Host - Mike Mattern (michaelmattern229@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn FD
Guest - Lyf Johnson Dearborn Police and Fire Dispatch
Guest - Pam Dooley Oakland County Sheriff Dispatch
Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis, whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges, reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.
Minds on the Frontline is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.
