NVFC First Responder Helpline

Confidential Assistance Available 24/7 to Help Responders Better Cope

The NVFC is pleased to offer the First Responder Helpline offered through Provident to provide assistance to members and their families for a variety of behavioral health issues and work-life stresses.

**Please note, the NVFC First Responder Helpline is a new benefit for NVFC members and replaces the Fire/EMS Helpline that had previously been offered. Departments that are still displaying the old Fire/EMS Helpline information and number should remove those materials as that line has been discontinued.**

What is the First Responder Helpline?

Firefighting and emergency response are stressful jobs with high levels of risk and unpredictability. In addition, volunteer responders are often juggling their fire service responsibilities with full time jobs and family commitments. All these factors can have an impact on the wellbeing of responders and their families.

While many companies offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) to deal with work-life issues, such services are usually not available for volunteer firefighters and EMS providers. The NVFC recognizes this service gap and has partnered with Provident, a leading provider of benefits for emergency services organizations, to offer a solution tailored to the distinct needs of our members.

Do I need to enroll to access the First Responder Helpline?

This program is provided to all NVFC members – you do not need to enroll in the First Responder Helpline. All NVFC members and their household family members can utilize the First Responder Helpline.

What is included in the First Responder Helpline?

This assistance program provides NVFC members and their household family members with immediate assistance in a crisis moment as well as confidential counseling, resources, and referrals to assistance for a range of issues, including:

  • Stress management
  • Depression
  • Family conflict
  • Anxiety
  • Relationships
  • Financial or legal concerns
  • Substance misuse
  • Grief or loss
  • Problem gambling
  • Child or elder care

View the First Responder Helpline brochure for more information.

What is the background and experience of the call center?

This program is provided through Provident by Business Health Services (BHS), a leader in providing emotional and behavioral health consultations, in partnership with Responders 1st Call. BHS has been providing mental and behavioral health services to organizations since 1983. The contact center is staffed by master’s level clinicians with an average of five years of experience specially trained in assisting and supporting first responder groups.

What stress management and work-life services are offered?

The First Responder Helpline can provide up to five telephone coaching sessions (or the number of sessions allowed by state law) with master’s degreed counselors who identify stress triggers, teach coping techniques, and develop an ongoing stress management plan.

In addition, this program offers consultation, resources, and referrals for the everyday concerns that can cause distractions and loss of focus when a first responder needs it most, including:

  • Family – Childcare, elder care, adoption research and referrals
  • Legal – Access to attorneys are for 30-minute phone or in-person legal consultation
  • Financial – Referrals to consultants to assist with debt management, credit problems, retirement planning, or college funding

How do I access the NVFC First Responder Helpline?

The First Responder Helpline number is available in the members section of the NVFC web site. Once logged in, go to Member Resources and then Member Benefits to find the number.

What if I’m not an NVFC member?

Join the NVFC for $21 to access the First Responder Helpline and all NVFC member benefits.

If you or someone you know needs access to the First Responder Helpline and are not able to purchase a membership, we have you covered. You can request a complimentary membership to receive access to the Helpline. Fill out this form to request a complimentary membership. If you have any questions about the complimentary membership, please contact membership@nvfc.org or call 202-887-5700.

Share Your Story

If you used the First Responder Helpline and would like to share your story to help inspire others to take advantage of this resource, use this form. This is completely optional, and you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

Partners and Supporters

The NVFC First Responder Helpline is brought to you by:

Thank you to our supporters!

Support the NVFC First Responder Helpline

Individuals wanting to support the NVFC First Responder Helpline can make a donation here. Companies can contact NVFC engagement manager, Meg Goldberg, at meg@nvfc.org or view this flyer for more information about sponsorship opportunities.

 

THE NVFC FIRST RESPONDER HELPLINE IS NOT INSURANCE AND IS NOT PROVIDED BY AXIS INSURANCE COMPANY. IT IS A SERVICE PROVIDED BY BHSTM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RESPONDERS 1ST CALLTM. The Accident & Health insurance coverage is underwritten by AXIS Insurance Company.

Find more resources for behavioral health from the NVFC’s Share the Load program.