National Firefighter Health Week Resources Now Available

Tuesday, 03 May 2011

National Firefighter Health Week 2011 will be held August 14-20. The online National Firefighter Health Week Resource Center is now available with tools and information to help you plan your department’s Health Week activities

The 2011 theme - “When it comes to your health, you’re always on duty” – focuses on helping firefighters stay ready for the next call by being at their best mentally and physically. Each day of National Firefighter Health Week will have a special focus:

Sunday, August 14 - National Firefighter Health Week Kick-off

Monday, August 15 - CRISIS: Understand the Risk
Increase awareness and understanding of health risks to firefighters and EMS personnel.

Tuesday, August 16 - DISPATCH: Get Support
Solicit buy-in from the community, department overhead, and family to improve first responder health.

Wednesday, August 17 - SIZE-UP: Make a Plan
Set goals and develop a plan of action to improve first responder health and wellness.

Thursday, August 18 - ATTACK: Take Action
Work with department and community partners to implement change in health behaviors.

Friday, August 19 - OVERHAUL: Live Life
Continue to practice healthy behaviors at the department and at home in the long-term.

Saturday, August 20 - Health Week Wrap-Up and Event Day
Organize or attend community events with family and friends that support your commitment to health and wellness.

Start planning your Health Week activities and promotion now! Go to the online Resource Center for daily activity suggestions, links to tools and resources, podcasts and webinars, and much more to help everyone in your department take the steps necessary to stay healthy for life. There are also resources for promoting your local Health Week activities in the community, including a customizable press release, web banners, and a sponsorship toolkit for getting local businesses to support your health and wellness initiatives.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) presents National Firefighter Health Week each August to promote firefighter health and wellness nationwide. Launched in 2007, the initiative is designed to create awareness around important health issues in the emergency services and encourage first responders to take action.