September is National Suicide Prevention Month. We want to use this time to emphasize and reinforce our commitment to all of you, our LAFD Firefighters and family members. We are here for you, just as you are here for the citizens of the City of Los Angeles.
According to a study of 1,027 retired and current firefighters conducted by the Journal of Affective Disorders:
- 8% OF FIREFIGHTERS HAD SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR IDEAS
- 2% OF FIREFIGHTERS MADE PLANS TO COMMIT SUICIDE
- 5% OF FIREFIGHTERS MADE A SUICIDAL ATTEMPT
- 4% OF FIREFIGHTERS HARMED THEMSELVES BUT DID NOT COMMIT SUICIDE
- MORE FIREFIGHTERS DIE BY SUICIDE THAN IN LINE OF DUTY DEATHS
If you or someone you know needs immediate help for suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. You can also visit HealingOurOwn.org for more resources.
UFLAC CENTER FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS
UFLAC and the LAFD are committed to your health and wellbeing. UFLAC has licensed Mental Health Professionals, including certified Addictions/Alcoholism Specialists. Additionally, the LAFD has two licensed Mental Health Professionals staffing the Fire Department’s Behavioral Health Program. As UFLAC/LAFD members, you and your families have access to all our services, 24/7, at no cost.
Here is how you can contact us:
Dr. Alejandro Zavala
UFLAC Director of Behavioral Health Services
& Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Cell: 213-332-0334
Melissa Ryan O’Keefe
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Cell: 213-544-6100
Vera Rodriguez
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Cell: 213-238-3609
Hugo Catalan Jr.
Chemical and Behavioral Addictions Manager
Cell: 213-544-5890
Dr. Krystle Madrid
LAFD Clinical Psychologist
Cell: 213-718-0768
Dr. Julie Snyder
LAFD Clinical Psychologist
Office: 323-276-7169
For more information and resources on all of our services, you can also visit us online at www.uflachealthandwellness.org.
UFLAC PEER SUPPORT
Additionally, UFLAC/LAFD has a robust Peer Support Program with well-trained Peers on our Team. CLICK HERE for the complete roster with contact information for our Team members. Please remember that it is our commitment that no LAFD Firefighter or family member should be alone at a moment of need. Assistance is just a call or text away!
Respectfully,
Your Behavioral Health and Peer Support Teams
Published on September 6, 2023
