Firefighters across Tennessee are walking hundreds of miles to raise awareness for the mental health struggles first responders face and push legislation in the state capitol.
The walk comes as studies from 2022 found firefighters have higher suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risks. Studies also found suicide happens twice as often with firefighters compared to the general community, and PTSD occurs in 57% of firefighters.
On the two-day, 27.3-mile walk, departments will carry the 303 Project flag. The 303 Project is non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the impact of mental health disorders and their results related to PTSD, including suicide and substance abuse among first responders. “PTSD is definitely something that makes you feel very alone,” said Colton Young, vice president of the Wilson County Firefighters Association.