A new initiative is helping first responders start difficult conversations about mental health.
All Essex County EMS and Essex Fire and Rescue personnel have been issued an "All In Coin" that they can hand to their colleagues, supervisors, family or friends to signal they are having a hard time.
"We're there to help, that's our jobs. We come on a moment's notice to come and help people and we have to make sure that we, in that moment's notice, that we can help the individuals that are helping," said Essex Fire Chief Rick Arnel.
Arnel brought the initiative to the area after hearing about it at a conference last summer. It started in Alberta and is now spreading across the country. In Essex County over 280 EMS staff have been given the coin, as have 80 firefighters in Essex.
"It's all about getting people to open up and talk, to reduce that stigma, that if you have that illness or an injury, you need the help," said Essex County EMS Chief Bruce Krauter.
The goal is to have all first responders and other front line staff to carry the coins as a universal talisman of mental health support.
