February 6, 2025
Call to Action: Wellness Cadre
Hello Peer Supporters,
The clinicians at the BHP have created a Wellness Cadre and wanted to extend the invitation to peer supporters before opening it up to the rest of The Department. We here at The Center are excited at the potential of these trainings and believe they can add to our current peer supporters’ knowledge base and skill sets to support our members’ mental health. We appreciate the collaboration with our partners at BHP and hope most of you can take advantage of the wellness cadre.
The need for support is clearer now than ever. The demands of a firefighting career can impact mind, body, spirit, and the lives of our loved ones. As natural problem solvers, you have all done a fantastic job in mobilizing and supporting one another. Given the ongoing stress of the last several weeks, some of you now need help and support, and that demand will undoubtedly increase.
To enhance support efforts and resources, the Behavioral Health Program would like to formalize and create a department-based “Wellness Cadre.” The Wellness Cadre will be composed of members who have a vested interest in supporting the wellness needs throughout the department. Members of the Wellness Cadre will be “Wellness EMTs,” offering more immediate support, care, and resource connection to our members. As peer support members, your involvement will ensure wellness is top of mind across the department.
Additional specialized training on stress management, trauma, suicide prevention and intervention, self-care, moral stress and moral injury, anger management, family support, substance use, as well as crisis intervention skills will be taught as part of the Wellness Cadre training.
If interested, please click on this link or scan the QR code below to apply. If you have further questions, please contact BHP at lafd.bhp@lacity.org
Clinical Staff
UFLAC Center for Health and Wellness
Hugo Catalan Jr.
Vera Rodriguez
Dr. Melissa O’Keefe
Tice Merriweather
Tiffany Zamora
Published on February 10, 2025
January 16, 2025
Dear UFLAC Member,
As the fires in Los Angeles continue to rage, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the extraordinary challenges you are facing. These unprecedented conditions have required unwavering strength, relentless determination, and tireless effort—qualities you exemplify as you stand on the frontlines, protecting lives, homes, and our community.
We understand the toll this demanding work can take on your physical and mental well-being. Please know that you are not alone. UFLAC’s Center for Health and Wellness is here to support you and your families during these difficult times. We are ready to assist whether you need someone to talk to, guidance on managing stress, or resources to help you navigate what to do next.
Burnout is a common and understandable response to prolonged stress, and being aware of the signs is essential. Recognizing these early can help you seek support and develop coping strategies before burnout worsens. Some common signs of burnout include:
- Physical Symptoms: Persistent fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, headaches, and muscle tension.
- Emotional Symptoms: Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, anxious, emotionally drained, or detached.
- Behavioral Changes: Difficulty staying motivated, withdrawing from family and friends, or increased reliance on alcohol or other substances.
- Cognitive Symptoms: Trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, or a sense of hopelessness and cynicism.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or feelings of burnout, it’s important to know that help is available. Our team is here to listen, provide guidance, and support you through these challenges. Talking to someone and addressing burnout early can help prevent long-term mental health impacts and improve overall well-being.
Our team of clinicians is dedicated to offering a safe space for you to share your experiences and access the care you need. We also want to remind you that caring for your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical well-being.
At the bottom of this bulletin, you’ll find a list of available resources. In addition, if you know of individuals outside of LAFD who have been affected by the fires and are in need of mental health treatment, we can provide referrals to clinicians offering pro bono therapy for those impacted by this disaster. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you or someone you know needs help.
In this challenging period, we stand with you—now and always. Thank you for your heroic efforts, bravery, and commitment to our community.
Stay safe and remember that our doors are always open for you and your loved ones.
With respect and gratitude,
The UFLAC Center for Health and Wellness Team
Contact Information
Hugo Catalan Jr., AMFT, 133892, CATC IV
Behavioral Health Director
Cell: (213) 544-5890
eMail: hcatalan@uflac.org
Vera Rodriguez, LMFT, #134497
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Cell: (213) 238-3609
eMail: vrodriguez@uflac.org
Dr. Melissa Ryan O’Keefe, PsyD, LMFT #130927
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Cell: (213) 544-6100
eMail: mokeefe@uflac.org
Tice Merriweather
Chemical and Behavioral Addictions Manager
Cell: (213) 317-1086
eMail: tmerriweather@uflac.org
Tiffany Zamora
Administrative Assistant
Cell: tzamora@uflac.org
eMail: (213) 414-0071
Resources and Referrals
- Peer Support Team- Peer Support Roster – United Firefighters of LAuflachttps://uflac.org › peer-support-old › peer-support-roster
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- Phone: 988
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) Help Line- Phone: 1-800-854-7771 (available 24/7)
- Pro Bono Mental Health Services
- Clinicians offering pro bono therapy for individuals affected by the fires. If you know someone outside LAFD who needs help, contact UFLAC’s Center for Health and Wellness for referrals.
- For free Mental health services Jan and Feb. for people who have lost their homes, they can contact Hillside Wellness Center in Sherman Oaks at (424)261-9444
Clinical Staff
UFLAC Center for Health and Wellness
Hugo Catalan Jr.
Vera Rodriguez
Dr. Melissa O’Keefe
Tice Merriweather
Tiffany Zamora
Published on January 16, 2025
Peer Support Meet and Greet
Held February 12th, 20th, and 26th
at the Center for Health and Wellness
We are excited to announce an upcoming Peer Support Meet and Greet event to strengthen our connections, share experiences, and build an even stronger support network within our department.
This informal gathering is an exciting opportunity for new and current Peer Support members to meet face-to-face, discuss shared goals, and learn about the resources available within our program. Your participation will help us continue fostering a supportive environment for all members of the LAFD family.
3 Day Event:
- February 12th, 20th, and 26th
- 0900 – 1100
- Center for Health and Wellness
14123 Nordhoff Street
Arleta, CA 91331 - Light refreshments and great conversation
- T-Shirt hand our
- Upcoming programs
We encourage you to attend, as your contributions and involvement are key to the success of our Peer Support Program.
Please RSVP to Tiffany Zamora at tzamora@uflac.org by Monday, January 27, 2025.
Thank you for your dedication to supporting the mental health and well-being of our brothers and sisters.
We look forward to seeing you there!
UFLAC Center for Health and Wellness
Published on December 20, 2024
IAFF PEER SUPPORT TRAINING
Held April 15th & 16th at UFLAC
United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Local 112, is excited to be able to offer the IAFF Two-Day Peer Support Training on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 & Wednesday, April 16, 2024, from 9:00am until 5:00pm. To receive certification, you will need to attend both days. If you are interested in assisting your Brothers and Sisters on the job, this training will give you tools to be able to actively listen, provide important information and support, as well as become that bridge for a member in need to help them receive the professional assistance that they may need but may be hesitant to reach out for on their own.
If you are thinking about becoming a Peer Support Team member, we know that you are most likely an individual who is a natural helper. Members may already be talking with you about personal and professional concerns. Our objective is to provide you with tools and resources to assist you with this effort.
The Two-Day training is an interactive course that will be presented by experienced Peers and Clinicians who currently work/or have worked in the Fire Service. The focus of the training will be on active listening skills, suicide awareness and prevention, crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and relationships with local behavioral health providers.
In preparation for the two-day training, there is an online, self-paced IAFF Behavioral Health Awareness course that each participant will need to complete prior to the workshop. It is information that is specific to the Fire Service. A link will be emailed to you so that you can complete the online course prior to the training.
If you are interested in taking this two-day training, please let us know so that we can have enough materials for everyone. To receive the certification, each participant will need to complete the full two days of training.
To sign-up for the training, Please RSVP to Tiffany Zamora at tzamora@uflac.org by Monday, March 24, 2025.
Hope to see you at the training!
Hugo Catalan Jr. AMFT #133892, CATC IV
Director of Behavioral Health
UFLAC Center for Health and Wellness
Published on January 6, 2025