Creation and Implementation

The research program was devised in early 2020 via contact with firefighters with interest in addressing issues related to mental health, PTSD, and suicide for firefighters in their departments. The research team consisted of Drs. Greco, Li, and Huntsman, who had contact with firefighters from across the country through the Fire and Emergency Management Program at OSU.

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After engagement with the first fire department in 2020, word of mouth spread about the project and importance of the research topic, leading to initiatives in five other fire departments across the United States.

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The research team completed six studies using a survey tool in large, medium, and small career fire departments:

 

To date, the research team has engaged in intensive data collection and feedback (i.e., comprehensive reports and suggestions for organizational changes) with these large and influential fire departments. This work set the stage for our 2023 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant.