May is Mental Health Awareness Month

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CHECK-IN POSTS FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

This series of "Check-In" posts is designed for Ohio fire service leaders to share throughout May 2026. Each post aligns with the national theme, "More Good Days, Together," while highlighting specific Ohio resources. These can be used in social media posts or through internal emails. 

Week 1: Defining "Good"

Focus: Redefining strength as the ability to acknowledge when a day is tough.

• Caption: Chiefs and Supervisors: Strength isn't just about what you can carry; it’s about knowing when the load is too heavy. For Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re focusing on having "More Good Days, Together." A "good day" doesn't have to mean perfect—sometimes it just means manageable. Check in with your crew today.
• Action Call: Ask your team: "What does a 'good day' look like for you right now?"
• Hashtags: #MoreGoodDaysTogether #OhioFire #FitForDuty

Week 2: Body & Mind Connection

Focus: The physical toll of the job (sleep, nutrition, stress) on mental wellness.

• Caption: The fireground takes a toll on the body, but the stress of the call stays in the mind. You can't separate the two. This week, prioritize the "whole responder." Encourage your crew to focus on small wins—better sleep, hydration, and decompression after a critical incident.
• Resource Link: Explore the OFCA Safety, Health & Wellness resources for department-level wellness tools.
• Hashtags: #WholeResponder #OhioFireChiefs #MentalHealthMatters

Week 3: The Power of Peer Support

Focus: Highlighting Ohio-specific peer resources like the Ohio ASSIST program.

• Caption: You don't have to stand alone. Ohio has a powerful network of brothers and sisters trained to listen. If the "not-so-good" days are starting to outnumber the good ones, reach out to a peer. Our culture is changing because we’re finally talking about the weight we carry.
• Ohio Resource: Learn more about the Ohio ASSIST Post-Critical Incident Seminars for first responders and their families. Check out Recommended Practices for Supporting Firefighter Mental Health. Take a look at IAFF Behavioral Health resources HERE. 
• Hashtags: #PeerSupport #OhioASSIST #EndTheStigma

Week 4: Leading by Example

Focus: Encouraging leaders to be open about their own mental health journeys.

• Caption: 7 in 10 first responders say they would be more likely to seek help if a leader spoke openly about their own experiences. Chiefs, your voice is the most powerful tool in the station. By normalizing the conversation, you’re giving your crew permission to prioritize their own health.
• Reminder: The 2026 Fire Chiefs' Resource Symposium application is open until May 29th—use it to build your leadership "toolbox."
• Hashtags: #LeadByExample #FireChief #OhioStrong

Week 5: Keeping the Momentum

Focus: Ensuring mental health remains a priority after May ends.

• Caption: Mental Health Awareness Month is ending, but our commitment to our members isn't. Let’s carry this momentum into June and beyond. Keep checking in. Keep listening. Together, we make "more good days" possible for the entire Ohio fire service.
• Crisis Line: Remember, confidential support is always one call away at 988.
• Hashtags: #MoreGoodDaysTogether #OFCA2026 #NeverAlone

Find Mental Health Awareness Resources HERE from Mental Health America.