Service dogs, family support, financial assistance could help more firefighters with PTSD, lawmakers hear

Firefighters are repeatedly exposed to traumatic events, including grisly car crashes, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and, of course, fires. These events can have a lasting and serious impact on their mental health.

HF478, sponsored by Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City), would provide $400,000 in targeted grant funding to support initiatives addressing the mental health of firefighters, especially those with PTSD.

It was approved by the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee Tuesday and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.

A companion, SF1109, is sponsored by Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin) and awaits action by the Senate Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee.

Rep. Dean Urdahl

The one-time appropriation in Fiscal Year 2020 would provide $150,000 for the training of service dogs, $100,000 for the education and support of spouses and families and $150,000 for the delivery of mental health services.

“We’re trying to remove the issues that are causing people not to get help,” said Matt Doughty, president and founder of Firefighters with PTSD.

The nonprofit organization – which provides service dogs and partners with professional trainers to improve access – received 211 applicants for dogs during a single two-month application period, he said.

Service dogs are difficult to get, even with a doctor’s recommendation, and the need is great, Doughty said. Dogs that have been trained to support people with PTSD can carry medications and remind their handlers to take them; turn on lights and wake up their handlers during night terrors; provide a sense of security in crowded spaces; and perform other specialized tasks tailored to each person’s needs.

Firefighters with PTSD also serves veterans and other first responders with PTSD, including police officers and emergency room nurses.

In addition to raising and training service dogs, the organization coordinates with other nonprofits to cover the cost of treatment and provides classes and support services to the families of people with PTSD.

Working with the spouses and families of people with PTSD is vitally important, as they are often in a position to recognize the symptoms before their loved ones can even admit they need help. This could connect people to treatment and services as soon as possible and help curb suicide rates.

“We want to provide training, for free, and put the resources in front of family members,” Doughty said.