BLUEMONT, Va., (Feb 1, 2022) – Boulder Crest Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses Posttraumatic Growth (PTG)-based training and programs to transform the lives of first responders and veterans who are struggling, announced today that FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, will become the exclusive sponsor of its pioneering First Responder Initiative, committing to help it scale nationally over the next two years.
FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. Built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority, an independent agency within the federal government, FirstNet stands above commercial offerings by providing first responders with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, including unique benefits like always-on priority and preemption, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum.
Hoping to look beyond network connectivity, AT&T announced the creation of a robust First Responder Health and Wellness Program in May 2020 to help provide solutions to the responder mental health crisis.
“The rates of PTSD, depression and anxiety among public safety personnel far exceed the rates of the general population. We are focusing resources on the system change needed to protect this community,” said Dr. Anna Fitch Courie, DPN, RN, PHNA-BC, Director, Responder Wellness, FirstNet Program at AT&T. “We are incredibly proud to support this groundbreaking effort to build a comprehensive, effective, and scalable approach to the wellbeing of first responders, and to collaborate with Boulder Crest Foundation, an organization with an incredible track record and remarkable vision. We are confident that our two-year commitment is the first step in what will be a transformative effort.”
Boulder Crest’s First Responder Initiative focuses on the development and delivery of transformative, PTG-based training programs designed to train first responders how to thrive during and after a career under extreme stress. The Initiative began with a pilot in Florida and Arizona creating innovative partnerships with major police and fire rescue departments. Since launching the pilot at the beginning of 2021, Boulder Crest has trained more than 1,400 first responders in the principles and practices of Posttraumatic Growth, and how to Struggle Well.
A key part of the pilot effort was a partnership with the Miami-Dade County Association
of Chiefs of Police (MDCACP). Led by the MDCACP’s President, Chief Rene Landa, Boulder Crest launched an effort to train first responders from 37 departments that will continue through 2023.
“The Struggle Well training has been immensely beneficial to officers from across Dade County,” said Chief Landa. “I am heartened that this training is going to be made available to more of my brothers and sisters across the country.”
“Far too many first responders are struggling with their mental health, and a suicide epidemic claims the lives of first responders every single day. As a nation, we have a responsibility to honor the brave and honorable service of these men and women by ensuring they can live great lives – during and after their time in service,” said Josh Goldberg, executive director of the Boulder Crest Institute for Posttraumatic Growth. “The First Responder Initiative is designed to do precisely that, and we are incredibly grateful for the generosity of AT&T, which will enable us to scale our work nationally.”
Boulder Crest is the first organization to develop and deliver Posttraumatic Growth-based programs and continues to innovate, enhance, and expand this field of study for the benefit of the first responder and military/veteran community.
FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
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ABOUT BOULDER CREST FOUNDATION Boulder Crest Foundation is a veteran-led organization that uses the proven science of Posttraumatic Growth to train, and advocate for combat veterans, first responders, and their families, who have experienced trauma. Boulder Crest develops, delivers, and scales transformative programs to ensure these remarkable men and women transform struggle into strength and lifelong growth. More broadly, Boulder Crest works to drive change across the mental health system, in pursuit of a system that is accessible, effective, and healthy. For more information about the first responder initiative, please visit StruggleWell.com and Boulder Crest Foundation at http://bouldercrest.org.
ABOUT FirstNet, Built with AT&T
FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. Shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet stands above commercial offerings. It is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government. With more than 17,000 public safety agencies and organizations subscribed – accounting for more than 2.5 million connections nationwide – the FirstNet network is providing first responders with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits like always-on priority and preemption, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities help emergency managers, fire, EMS, and law enforcement save lives and protect their communities.
