HTC Monthly October 2025 Newsletter: Mental Health Awareness Month

October is National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on and address the emotional well-being of those who serve and care for others, especially our first responders and hospital personnel. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs), firefighters, police officers, nurses, and doctors are exposed to human suffering and loss on a daily basis, witnessing trauma, making life-and-death decisions, and working in fast-paced environments with little room for rest or reflection. Over time, this can lead to serious mental health challenges including post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and burnout. Despite their vital contributions, stigma and a culture of “toughness” often prevent them from seeking the help they need.