Peer Support
Here to Help
SHARE IT. DON’T WEAR IT.
IT’S TIME TO SPEAK UP ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
WHAT IS PEER SUPPORT?
Peer Support is IAFF trained members who desire to see everyone at SKF&R experience a long and healthy career. The fire service impacts all of us differently and over time life can take its toll. It’s ok to not be ok and Peer Support team members are trained to recognize early warning signs of trauma and stress in their co-workers. They strive to listen without judgment and direct members toward professional resources that they might not be aware of. Confidentiality is paramount to what peer support does and members can be assured that what is shared with a peer support member is confidential, privileged communication protected under RCW 5.60.060.
WHO WE ARE:
Your team has undergone peer support training from the IAFF as well as continued ongoing yearly training. Your team consists of firefighters from all ranks who are available and willing to listen any time. Here are your current 18 team members:
Bianca Benavides, 67/C
Chris Boone 63/C
Chris Burdyshaw, 64/A
James Cromwell, 66/C
Cortney Cullison, 64/D
Anne Hoag, 62/B
Tanya Holland, FMO
Bruce Hubbard, 65/A
Jake Jones, 67/B
Patrick Mertlich, 63/C
Dave Michaels, 66/B
Shannon Oltman, 64/B
Danial Pascoe, 66/A
Danny Peterson, 65/B
Matt Renfro, 63/D
Sal Somoza, 64/D
Shane Smith, Admin
Jason Tupa, 67/B
Randy White, 62/A
WHAT WE DO:
Your PEER support team is trained to listen and help individuals process events and emotions that may be overwhelming for someone to handle on their own. Understanding that some situations may need more professional help and guidance, your team has resources that we can help guide you towards that have been vetted for first responders and their families.
RESOURCES TO FIND PROFESSIONAL HELP (COUNSELOR OR THERAPIST):
Local 2024 members and their families have 100% insurance coverage for In-Network and Out-of-Network mental health therapist/counselors sessions (once you’ve reached your deductible for the year). Marriage/Relationship counseling is also fully covered.
- AlliConnect (formerly Thrivelution)
https://alliconnect.io/south-king
AlliConnect creates a portal that allows all members and their families confidential access to vetted mental health providers. The landscape of finding a therapist has changed, and it is a challenge to find good providers that are accepting patients. The goal of this service is to have instant access to mental health providers and research-backed wellness resources. Members fill out a confidential form that generates a list of already vetted therapists that have openings for receiving patients and have expertise in the area the member is seeking. The goal is to get into therapy without delay with a therapist that is a good fit the first time. - Code 4 Northwest
https://code4nw.org
(425) 243-5092
Code 4 Northwest is an entirely volunteer-run, free, and confidential crisis response and referral network for Washington State active and retired first responders and their families. If you’re struggling with depression, a volunteer is waiting on the phone line. - IAFF Center of Excellence
https://www.iaffrecoverycenter.com
(877) 482-0887
The IAFF Center of Excellence is an in-patient treatment facility specializing in PTSD for firefighters who struggle with trauma, substance use, addiction, and other related behavioral health challenges. It is a safe haven for members to receive the help they need in taking their first steps toward recovery.
For more information, reach out to any member of the team or you can contact:
Danny Peterson
Peer Support Team Coordinator
[email protected]