Mental Health Awareness Month
As most of you are aware, May is Mental Health Awareness Month! This is a time to recognize the importance of psychological wellness, emotional resilience, and the strength it takes to care for ourselves and one another.
In the fire service, you are trained to respond to crises, protect others, and remain composed under pressure. Day after day, you may be exposed to traumatic incidents, operational stress, disrupted sleep, cumulative loss, family strain, and the constant demands of serving the public. While these experiences are part of the profession, they can also have a lasting impact on mental health over time.
Mental health challenges do not discriminate based on rank, assignment, years on the job, or perceived toughness. Stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, substance misuse, emotional exhaustion, and trauma-related symptoms are realities that many of your brothers’ and sisters’ in service silently experience throughout their careers. Seeking support is not a weakness; it is professionalism, self-awareness, and strength.
The UFLAC Center for Health & Wellness remains committed to supporting the mental, emotional, and relational well-being of our members and their families. Whether you are navigating a difficult call, struggling with stress at home, feeling overwhelmed, or simply needing someone to talk to, support is available.
Looking Out for One Another
Mental health awareness is not limited to one month out of the year. It is reflected in everyday actions:
- Checking in on one another after difficult incidents
- Creating space for honest conversations
- Reducing stigma around seeking help
- Encouraging peers to utilize available support
- Recognizing when stress may be affecting ourselves or others
- Supporting a culture where asking for help is normalized
If you notice changes in a coworker: increased isolation, irritability, hopelessness, emotional numbness, risky behavior, anger, substance misuse, or withdrawal from others, please reach out. A simple conversation can make a meaningful difference.
You Are Not Alone
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Just as we would never ignore a serious physical injury, we should not ignore emotional or psychological injuries either.
The work you do matters. Your well-being matters. Your life matters.
During this Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage all members to prioritize wellness, support one another, and continue building a culture where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical safety.
For information regarding services, support, or referrals, please contact the UFLAC Center for Health & Wellness.
Stay safe. Stay connected. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Available Support Resources
Peer Support
Our Peer Support Team consists of trained firefighters who understand the unique culture and experiences of this profession. Peer supporters are available to provide confidential support, guidance, and connection. The link provided gives you access to a searchable list of peer supporters.
Clinical Counseling Services
The Center for Health & Wellness provides confidential counseling services for members and their family members. Services are designed specifically for first responders and are provided by clinicians experienced in working within the fire service culture.
Family and Relationship Support
The impact of this profession extends beyond the station walls. Support is available for marital, family, parenting, and relationship-related concerns that may arise throughout your career.
United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Local 112
Center for Health & Wellness
Dr. Hugo Catalan Jr.
Director of Behavioral Health Services
(213) 544-5890
Tice Merriweather
Chemical and Behavioral Addictions Manager
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
(213) 317-1086
Vera Rodriguez
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
(213) 238-3609
Dr. Melissa O’Keefe
PsyD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
(213) 544-6100
Tiffany Zamora
Administrative Assistant
(213) 414-0071
You may also contact our partners at:
LAFD Behavioral Health Department
LAFD Department Psychologists
lafd.bhp@lacity.org
(323) 276-7169
Resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org (24/7, confidential).
- Emergencies call 911
- Veterans Crisis Line — dial 988, then Press 1, or text 838255 (for Veterans, service members, and families).
- FBHA (Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance) — prevention training, self-screening tools, and confidential suicide reporting to improve fire-service-specific prevention.
- NFFF / First Responder Center for Excellence — national initiatives and education on firefighter mental wellness and suicide prevention.
Published on May 20, 2026
