The Joliet Fire Department has been recognized for its innovative approach to addressing mental health crises through its Community Mental Health Program. The department will be presented with the 2025 Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and Masimo at the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner, scheduled for February 13, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
Honoring Joliet’s Mental Health-Focused EMS Program
The Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award is presented annually to fire departments that demonstrate exceptional efforts in emergency medical services (EMS). Joliet’s recognition is specifically for its proactive and comprehensive approach to mental health care. The Community Mental Health Program integrates mental health prevention and awareness training for firefighters and provides a robust network of mental health services for local residents.
This initiative aims to tackle the growing issue of mental health crises by offering rapid crisis intervention and cost-free, definitive mental health services. A unique feature of the program is the city-established fund that covers costs not met by insurance, ensuring that mental health support remains accessible for all community members.
Impact of the Community Mental Health Program
Since its launch in 2022, the Community Mental Health Program has served over 2,000 residents. The program is designed to address a variety of mental health concerns, including those arising from traumatic events and mental illnesses, in response to an increasing number of mental health-related emergency calls.
The program works in close partnership with local mental health organizations, creating a cost-efficient and easily accessible service model for the community. This collaboration allows Joliet to deliver high-quality mental health services at a time when the need for such resources is growing nationwide.
National Significance and Recognition
The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) emphasizes the importance of such programs, noting the challenges fire departments face in responding to the rising number of mental health-related calls. Jim Estepp, President of CFSI, stated, “With an increase in mental health-related calls nationwide, fire departments face challenges in responding to these calls and providing rapid care for the growing number of individuals who suffer from mental illness. I congratulate the Joliet Fire Department for developing an innovative EMS program that addresses a significant challenge facing the department and enhances its EMS capabilities.”
This award highlights the national relevance of Joliet’s approach, serving as a model for other fire departments across the country working to meet the increasing demand for mental health services in their communities.
Masimo’s Support for EMS Innovation
Masimo, a global leader in innovative medical technologies, cosponsors the Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award. Andy Jones, Senior Vice President of US Alternate Care at Masimo, expressed pride in supporting EMS advancements, noting, “Masimo is proud to cosponsor the Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award. At Masimo, our focus is on product innovation, just as fire departments find ways to innovate their services to meet the growing emergency medical challenges in their communities. As a proud cosponsor, Masimo congratulates the Joliet Fire Department for their achievements in emergency medical services.”
Event and Award Presentation
The award will be presented at the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner in Washington, D.C., an event organized by CFSI to recognize outstanding contributions within the fire and emergency services community. The event also serves as a platform for educating Congress about fire and life safety issues.
The Joliet Fire Department’s commitment to addressing mental health crises within its community through its Community Mental Health Program is a key example of how EMS innovation can have a lasting positive impact on public health.
Summary of the Recognition
- Award: 2025 Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award
- Recipient: Joliet Fire Department, recognized for its Community Mental Health Program
- Impact: Over 2,000 residents served since 2022, offering crisis intervention and accessible mental health services.
- Presentation Date: February 13, 2025, at the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, D.C.
- Sponsors: Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and Masimo
This award underscores the importance of mental health-focused EMS programs and highlights Joliet Fire Department’s leadership in meeting the evolving challenges of community care.
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