Youngkin issues executive order supporting first responder 'wellness'

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order establishing a First Responder Wellness Office to support the overall wellness of first responders in the commonwealth, including emotional and physical health.

Youngkin issued Executive Order 38, which directs the secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security to establish an Office of First Responder Wellness at the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

The executive action aims to provide emotional, physical and “overall personal wellness” for first responders in response to the stressful nature of their jobs.

The order cited several studies showing the mental and physical toll working on the front lines of “incidents involving tragedy and human suffering” can have on first responders.

According to the order, citing a study from the International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, “First responders are exposed to significant critical incidents involving human tragedy and suffering daily. An average citizen may experience three to eight traumatic incidents in their lifetime, whereas it is estimated that many first responders experience approximately 3.5 traumatic events in a six-month period throughout their career.”

Alarmingly, the order cited a study from The 77 Foundation showing “the impact of a first responder’s chosen profession can shorten his or her life expectancy by as much as 20 years.”

In addition, the order highlighted the elevated risk of suicide by first responders, which says that first responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. The order also noted that daily stressors may be a contributing factor in marital friction among first responders.

The order also says, “The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions. Additionally, recent studies indicate that first responders are suffering from PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to work related stressors considerably above the national average and the divorce rate is fifteen to twenty-five percent higher than the general population. Unfortunately, almost one in ten first responders report having thoughts of suicide.”

In response to the daily strains put on first responders, the governor’s action aims to dedicate more resources to support their mental and physical well-being.

“The data clearly shows that repeated traumatic events experienced by first responders takes a toll on the human body, mind, and soul," Youngkin said. "The coordination and partnerships at the local, state, and federal level, along with the private sector, will provide much better support and results for our first responder heroes.”

The order “formalizes” the existing Office of First Responder Wellness through the Department of Criminal Justice Services, which directs to provide training and support for mental and physical health for first responders. In addition, the action creates a new Chief Coordinating Officer role under the secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, charged with convening working groups between “key” state agencies, local first responder leadership, mental health professionals, members of the clergy and family member, which will advise on the wellness of first responders.

The executive action includes $3 million, approved by Youngkin, which will be allocated in unexpended Fiscal Year 2024 balances to the Office of First Responder Wellness. The funds will offer grants for nonprofits and local agencies supporting first responder wellness.