Suicide is a major problem amongst first responders nationwide and across the Lowcountry.
One local organization is working to bring awareness and offer support for those who need it.
“A very terrible thing. We lose more first responders every year to suicide then we do line of duty deaths and that’s very sad,” said Gerald Mishoe, executive director for the Lowcountry Firefighter, EMS and 911 Telecommunicator Team.
So, they decided to do something to address mental health issues among first responders.
“We lost nine Charleston firefighters in 2007. That was the thing that really got us started because we realized the people needed help, and there wasn’t any help available,” said Mishoe. The organization has 20 mental health experts on hand to help firefighters, emts and telecommunicators.
The group now helps with needs across 23 counties in lower South Carolina.