SC first responders receive mental health check-ins from peers with new program

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – A new program is giving first responders across the Palmetto State access to mental health services on demand.

The new initiative is the South Carolina Peer Connect App . It connects first responders to trained team members and resources that can help them if they need support.

The SC Peer Connect App works like a social media platform, and includes a community of firefighters, law enforcement, and EMS as well as chaplains and psychologists.

The South Carolina EMS Association told 7NEWS there is a news feed with information about mental health services and resources.

“There’s really no one-size-fits-all kind of solution, but this is really as close as we can get,” said Dr. Mandy Gattis of the South Carolina EMS Association, who helped to get the program off the ground. “It was created to prevent neglect, reduce that stigma that’s associated with mental health.”

First responders can request check-ins from their peers and receive referrals for psychiatric help if they need it. They can do this anonymously.

“Generally, they’ve walked a similar road as yours, and it helps to have somebody who understands trauma and what it can do to you, to walk with you,” said Patti Graham of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, also instrumental in the project. “You get to curate your team. You know who’s finding out that you’re having a hard day, or a hard time, and so, you build that with whom you trust.”

First responders can download the Peer Connect App from the Apple app store or on Google Play. It is a two year pilot program and is funded through the state’s healthcare coalition.

For more information about it, click here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.