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Transforming Veteran Mental Health: The Fire Watch’s Impact
A Florida-based nonprofit is addressing the critical issue of veteran suicide by fostering community connections and emphasizing that this crisis affecting American veterans is preventable. The organization, known as The Fire Watch, has developed a unique approach to engage local communities in the fight against veteran suicide.
The Fire Watch operates on three core beliefs: suicide is preventable, timely access to resources can save lives, and community involvement is essential for effective prevention. This approach reflects a growing recognition of how vital local support can be in addressing mental health challenges faced by veterans.
Nick Howland, the Executive Director of The Fire Watch, stated, “It takes the community to get involved in suicide prevention.” His organization has witnessed significant success over the years and aims to expand its operations nationally, implementing their innovative methods to reduce veteran suicides.
The Watch Stander Program: A Key Initiative
Central to The Fire Watch’s strategy is the Watch Stander program, which takes inspiration from CPR training. In brief training sessions lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, volunteers learn to identify warning signs, ask direct questions, and validate veterans’ experiences while guiding them towards appropriate services—a method summarized by the acronym SAVE.
Howland explained, “Like CPR doesn’t train you to be a paramedic, our training doesn’t turn you into a clinician. It prepares you to notice changes and alert others when help is needed.” Participants leave the training equipped with wallet cards, wristbands, and stickers, which serve as vital reminders of crucial warning signs, including expressions of self-harm, substance abuse, and reckless behavior, as well as the steps to get someone the help they may require.
Collaboration with Veteran Services
The Fire Watch collaborates closely with state veteran affairs offices to ensure veterans are connected to comprehensive counseling services. This partnership strengthens the reach of The Fire Watch’s initiatives, allowing a better support network for veterans in need.
Since starting its operations in Northeast Florida, The Fire Watch has recorded remarkable declines in veteran suicides. In 2019, the organization reported 81 veteran deaths by suicide. Following this, Howland set a bold target: reduce this number by at least 25% for three years in a row.
Significant Progress in Suicide Reduction
Recent data indicates that veteran suicides in Northeastern Florida have dropped to 61 in 2023, marking a 25% decrease from the 2019 baseline. This remarkable achievement has continued for four consecutive years. Across Florida, veteran suicides experienced a statewide reduction of approximately 5%. In regions where The Fire Watch is active—Northeast Florida, South Florida, Tampa Bay, and Escambia County—the decline reached 12%, starkly contrasting with an overall decline of just 2% elsewhere in the state.
Howland noted the correlation between community networks and reduced veteran suicidality, saying, “Where we’re building our network of community members who care, who get veterans the help they need, veteran suicidality is decreasing. It’s remarkable.”
Personal Stories of Impact
The impact of The Fire Watch’s work is deeply felt by volunteers, such as Ryan Haczynski. After losing a friend, a Vietnam veteran, to suicide in late 2022, Haczynski sought a way to honor his friend’s memory and prevent other tragic losses.
Reflecting on his experience, Haczynski admitted, “I didn’t recognize the signs,” sharing that his friend even asked him to be the executor of his will shortly before his passing. Following this heartbreaking event, an online search led him to the Watch Stander and Ambassador training programs, where he became certified to train others and helped arrange a military funeral for his fallen friend.
Haczynski now utilizes every opportunity to engage with veterans in his community, validating their experiences and guiding them to The Fire Watch’s free crisis resources available 24/7.
The Call to Action
Ryan emphasizes the desire to give back, stating, “We want to help, especially people who have done so much for our country.” His commitment highlights the essential role that community members play in reducing veteran suicides.
The work of The Fire Watch illustrates the profound impact that community engagement can have on veteran mental health. By providing crucial training and resources, they are tackling the veteran suicide crisis head-on.
To learn more about The Fire Watch and discover how you can get involved, visit their official website. The organization embodies hope and action, showing that through collective effort, it is possible to create positive change in the lives of veterans.
