Salem, Oregon– The Oregon State Fire Marshal has announced the launch of the Oregon Fire Service Health and Safety Collaborative, a program aimed at bolstering support systems for firefighters across the state.
Firefighting presents numerous physical, psychological, and environmental challenges. The Oregon Fire Service Health and Safety Collaborative seeks to address these challenges by establishing a robust support system that aligns resources and provides dedicated assistance to fire service personnel.
The program is structured around a comprehensive framework designed to meet the needs of Oregon’s firefighters. By focusing on critical areas such as behavioral health, physical wellness, cancer prevention, and incident safety, the collaborative aims to foster a resilient and thriving firefighting community.
Central to the collaborative’s approach is:
- Creating a platform for equal participation from all partners.
- Coordinating efforts across multiple agencies.
- Representing diverse perspectives within Oregon’s fire service.
Through these principles, the Oregon State Fire Marshal aims to cultivate a culture of collaboration, support, and continuous improvement.
“The Oregon Fire Service Health and Safety Collaborative represents a proactive strategy to address the unique challenges faced by our firefighters,” stated Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “This initiative is not only about meeting immediate needs but also about laying the groundwork for long-term resilience and excellence in our fire service.”
The collaborative acts as a centralized resource hub, simplifying access to vital support services. Fire service personnel seeking assistance with behavioral health services, cancer prevention strategies, or incident safety protocols will find valuable resources and guidance through this program.
The formation and success of the collaborative were guided by a sub-committee of the Governor’s Fire Service Policy Council. Recently, the Oregon Fire Chief’s Association recognized the group’s efforts with a 2024 Award of Excellence.
Moving forward, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is continuously evaluating and enhancing the support systems to ensure they effectively meet the evolving needs of Oregon’s firefighting community.
All fire service members and partners are invited to participate in this program. For more information about the Oregon Fire Service Health and Safety Collaborative, please visit http://www.oregon.gov/osfm/healthandsafety.
Source: OSFM
