First Responders Are Human Hosts Virtual Activity Campaign

PRESS RELEASE

In May 2016 a group of intrepid cyclists and support crews took their message “No One Should Suffer In Silence” on the road. On May 7, 2016 the group rode bicycles from Ottawa, Ontario to Washington, D.C. for the Capital-to-Capital Mental Health Campaign and Ride.

It took 14 days for riders to cover 1,000 miles. At many steps along the journey first responders of all stripes met the riders at their stations, firehouses and headquarters and had conversations in an effort to break down the stigma associated with mental health, PTSD and suicide.

Five years later and after rebranding to the new First Responders Are Human, these responders from Canada and the United States are setting out on a new adventure. From May 3–16, 2021 (and considering pandemic restrictions) they are hosting another mental health campaign dubbed #MovementIsMedicine.

First responders, friends, coworkers and family are encouraged to register (at no cost) and be active in their own location while interacting virtually with fellow participants in Canada and the United States. Participants can hike, walk their dog, run, paddleboard, kayak, do yoga, stretch or even ride a bike.

The campaign is promoting a different resiliency skill each day. Psychotherapist and doctoral candidate Parul Shah will lead the education component about self-care. Participants are encouraged to try each resiliency skill and post and blog about it.

The campaign begins May 3, 2021 and coincides with the Canadian Mental Health Association Mental Health Week and the American Hospital Association Mental Health Month.

For more information on how to register visit www.firstrespondersarehuman.com