Retired first responders now have a new resource to help them cope with the long-term stress of their careers.
Chat4Chad, in partnership with Bay Psychology, has created a new fund designed to address the mental health needs of first responders and their families. Using funds raised by Chat4Chad and a donation by Bay Psychology, the Fund’s inaugural program, "After the Call" will deliver therapy services to retired first responders who often lose access to mental health coverage through their benefits upon retirement.
"This commitment reflects our shared duty that it's never too late to ask for help and no one should face these challenges alone,” said Dr. Sachiko Nagasawa, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Bay Psychology.
"After the Call" will fund at least 250 therapy sessions over the next year and aims to fill a critical gap in mental health support for those who dedicated their careers to protecting and serving others. In addition to these therapy sessions for retirees, Chat4Chad and the First Responders Support Fund will offer other mental health support for both retired and active first responders.
Support from this Fund is available to North Bay firefighters, police officers, and paramedics.
The organization Chat4Chad honours longtime North Bay Firefighter Chad Ringler, who took his own life in January 2023. Chat4Chad’s goal is to carry on Chad’s legacy of giving back and to work to remove the stigma associated with mental health.
Wade Ringler, Chad's brother, addressed a crowd at Station One on Monday afternoon.
“The need for mental health support in our community has never been greater, and the creation of this fund will allow us to direct targeted support to a group of men and women who often suffer in silence," he said.
"This Fund was created to honour my brother Chad’s 50th Birthday on May 5 and will make a huge difference to the mental health of so many active and retired first responders,” said Ringler, founder of Chat4Chad. “It’s also a great way to kick off Mental Health Month."
Ringler believes the fund will fill a big mental and financial void for retired first responders.
“The financial barrier is enough to stop someone from maybe going and talking," he explained.
"So if we can help out in that regard, that's what we're going to do."
You can get more information on how retired first responders, and their family members can request to participate in the After the Call program here.