Association Update: April 2022

FirstNet to Support Post-traumatic Growth Training

The Boulder Crest Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses post-traumatic growth (PTG)-based training and programs to help first responders and veterans who are struggling, announced 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. 

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 Anna Fitch Courie, DPN, RN, PHNA-BC, director of responder wellness for the FirstNet program at AT&T. “We are incredibly proud to support this groundbreaking effort to build a comprehensive, effective, and scalable approach to the well-being of first responders.” 

Boulder Crest’s First Responder Initiative focuses on the development and delivery of transformative PTG-based training programs designed to help teach first responders to thrive during and after careers under extreme stress. The initiative began with a pilot in Florida and Arizona that created partnerships with major police and fire-rescue departments. Since launching the pilot at the beginning of 2021, Boulder Crest has trained more than 1400 first responders in the principles and practices of post-traumatic growth. 

—Boulder Crest Foundation

Secretary of Transportation Announces National Roadway Safety Strategy 

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has announced the federal government’s new comprehensive National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), a road map for addressing the national crisis in roadway fatalities and serious injuries. Almost 95% of the nation’s transportation deaths occur on its streets, roads, and highways. While the number of annual roadway fatalities declined for many years, progress plateaued over the last decade, and now, alarmingly, fatalities have risen during the pandemic. 

The NRSS provides concrete steps the department will take to address this crisis systemically and prevent avoidable deaths and serious injuries. Bolstered by historic funding included in the bipartisan infrastructure law, the NRSS is the first step in working toward an ambitious long-term goal of reaching zero roadway fatalities. Learn more at www.transportation.gov/NRSS. 

—NASEMSO 

DHS S&T Arm Posts Long-Range R&D Needs 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) posted its annual Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (LRBAA), an open invitation to the scientific and technical communities to propose novel ideas that address DHS components’ highest-priority operational needs. The announcement includes 17 research and development topics, the solutions to which will enable S&T to advance innovative scientific research, develop unique prototypes, and modify and assess mature technologies for homeland security missions.

“Our nation’s homeland security needs are ever-evolving, and to remain agile DHS counts on its partners in the private sector to access the latest technologies,” said Dusty Lang, LRBAA program manager. “S&T’s LRBAA is a flexible mechanism that allows DHS to swiftly identify submissions of interest to pursue innovative solutions with industry in an efficient way.”

The current 17 LRBAA topics are categorized under six R&D priority areas: securing aviation; securing borders; securing cyberspace; preventing terrorism; protecting from terrorist attacks; and managing incidents. For more see https://oip.dhs.gov/baa/public. 

—Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate

Registration Open for NVFC Health & Safety Training Summit

Registration is now open for the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC’s) 2022 Health & Safety Training Summit. The summit will take place June 24–25 in Orlando, FL. The conference is open to all volunteer firefighters, EMS providers, department leadership, and other fire department personnel. Register at https://nvfc.swoogo.com/healthsafetysummit. 

This two-day classroom-based training is an opportunity to learn from leading subject matter experts, share ideas and best practices, and network. Attendees can select up to seven breakout sessions to attend, addressing behavioral health, fireground safety, leadership, roadway safety, and more. The conference will also feature keynote speakers and networking opportunities. Full course information and instructor details are available on the registration page. Further event details will be announced at www.nvfc.org/summit.

—National Volunteer Fire Council