Mental Health Support for First Responders
Transforming Lives with Ozzy's Mission
Every day, our first responders put their lives on the line to protect others, often at a profound personal cost. Repeated exposure to trauma, relentless high-stress environments, and cumulative emotional exhaustion take a toll that too often goes unseen and unaddressed. The mental health of first responders is a critical issue, as research indicates that post-traumatic stress is up to five times more prevalent among them than in the general population. Alarmingly, police officers and firefighters are now more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
Nearly 46% of first responders report having contemplated suicide, with approximately 7% having attempted it—compared to 13% and 0.5% of the general population. Emergency dispatchers face reported depression rates as high as 73%, while EMS professionals experience a suicide risk up to ten times greater than that of the general public. These alarming statistics reflect a crisis that cannot and should not be ignored!
Financial stressors often compound these challenges, particularly after injury, line-of-duty death, or for those seeking professional help. Many families struggle silently, feeling forgotten by the communities they serve. To help address these unmet needs, Ozzy’s Mission was founded, providing vital financial assistance for first responders and implementing programs to support their mental health. By bringing concrete assistance to those who give so much of themselves for others, we aim to create a positive impact on their well-being.
Our Programs & Services
Comfort and Connection
Crisis and Financial Assistance
Crisis and Financial Assistance
At the heart of our outreach is Ozzy, our comfort dog. Ozzy visits departments, dispatch centers, and first responder sponsored community events to provide support, reduce stress, and build trust. These visits offer a safe, nonjudgmental bridge to conversations about mental health and wellness.
- Regular visits to police, fire, and EMS age
At the heart of our outreach is Ozzy, our comfort dog. Ozzy visits departments, dispatch centers, and first responder sponsored community events to provide support, reduce stress, and build trust. These visits offer a safe, nonjudgmental bridge to conversations about mental health and wellness.
- Regular visits to police, fire, and EMS agencies
- Post-critical incident comfort sessions in conjunction with the Southern New Hampshire CISM team
- Participation in peer support and mental wellness events, trainings and retreats.
Crisis and Financial Assistance
Crisis and Financial Assistance
Crisis and Financial Assistance
When first responders or their families face an unexpected hardship, Ozzy’s Mission provides Emergency Financial Grants for rent, utilities or other expenses. But it doesn’t end there.
80% of first responders cite stigma as the main barrier to them seeking treatment, and 75% mention the lack of specialized, culturally competent mental
When first responders or their families face an unexpected hardship, Ozzy’s Mission provides Emergency Financial Grants for rent, utilities or other expenses. But it doesn’t end there.
80% of first responders cite stigma as the main barrier to them seeking treatment, and 75% mention the lack of specialized, culturally competent mental health providers are the reason they don’t request that help. Ozzy’s Mission provides connections to vetted, culturally competent clinicians that specialize in working directly with the challenges and stressors that first-responders face.
Our Partnerships
Crisis and Financial Assistance
Our Partnerships
Links to agencies that share our heart for first responders.