Peer Support Team

The Saratoga County EMS Council, in collaboration with the Saratoga County Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, launched the Saratoga County Peer Support Team (SCPST) on November 1, 2022. The team combines resources from multiple agency Peer Support Teams with clinical expertise from Saratoga County. The unique experiences, training, education, and culture of emergency services personnel requires specialized resources. With over 100 members, the PST provdes law enforcement, EMS, and fire personnel individual offsite meetings with a peer support team member for a “check-in and check-up” on issues of concern, with opportunity for referral to formal counseling services if needed. Members may self-refer or be referred by agency leaders. Meetings are confidential and information will not be shared without express permission. For critical incidents affecting members of agencies, the PST is available to meet with members and agency leaders for group activities targeted at protecting the resilience of each responder involved. The team can be accessed through your department leadership, a County EMS or Fire Coordinator, or if you wish to reach out directly, using this link: Contact SCPST

 

 

Resources for EMS, Fire, and Law Enforcement Members

If you need help NOW, these resources are available 24/7:

    • Call or text 988
    • Chat at 988lifeline.org
    • Call Safe Call Now at 206-459-3020 (for EMS, Fire, and Law members only)
    • Call Fire/EMS Helpline at 888-275-6832 (run by the National Volunteer Fire Council for Fire and EMS members only)

Here are some resources that have been vetted by the Peer Support Team:

    • Healing Springs Recovery and Outreach Center – Healing Springs provides a broad range of individual and family support services related to addiction and recovery.  This includes out-of-state residential treatment programs for emergency responders struggling with addiction.  Located at 125 High Rock Ave in Saratoga Springs – phone 518-306-3048.
    • NYLEAP (New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program) – Not just for law; NY LEAP serves all responders with peer support training, referrals and a really kewl app available on the Apple Store or Google Play.
    • Valor Station Augusta – A residential treatment program in Augusta, Georgia for emergency responders. Founded by NY LEAP President Jim Banish.
    • Frontline Responder – A residential rehab program in Eatontown, NJ for emergency responders.  Other locations nationwide.