From the moment an emergency call comes in to dispatch to the time the reported call is closed, first responder professionals including police officers, firefighters, EMS, 9-1-1 dispatchers, emergency managers and more all play a role in its resolution. These same responders are on the front lines witnessing high amounts of stress and trauma on an almost daily basis. First responders experience higher rates of anxiety, burnout, depression, post-traumatic stress and more. In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month Lakeshore Public Media host Dee Dotson speaks to Celina Weatherwax, President and CEO and Director of Programming Mackenna Schon with Multi Agency Academic Cooperation or MAAC Foundation to talk about all of the programs and services available at the MAAC Center in Valparaiso, Indiana.
In 2016, the McMillan Family Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the Indiana District 1 Firefighter Training Council established the Multi Agency Academic Cooperative (MAAC) Foundation in order to better serve all public safety professionals. The MAAC Foundation has been charged with developing training opportunities for firefighters, police officers, and EMS. This is being achieved through the offerings of combined classroom and practical application programs that provide advanced levels of critical thinking and functioning in preparedness and response. Moreover, MAAC is dedicated to supporting and meeting the needs of existing Indiana District 1 training sites. For more information about the MAAC visit https://maacfoundation.org/
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing thoughts of suicide, or a mental health or substance use crisis, please call 988 to reach Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and speak with a trained crisis specialist 24/7.
