Categories: College University Athletics

University of Central Florida Launches Resiliency Command Center

The UCF Resiliency Command Center provides essential mental health support for first responders during crises.

News Summary

The University of Central Florida has introduced a groundbreaking mobile behavioral health facility called the Resiliency Command Center. Designed for first responders, this innovative initiative aims to provide on-site mental health support during crises. Equipped with therapy rooms and private counseling areas, it is set to enhance emotional wellness among those who serve on the front lines. The center, which received state funding and support from Lockheed Martin, will officially operate ahead of the hurricane season, emphasizing the need for immediate mental health resources in emergency situations.

Orlando, Florida – The University of Central Florida (UCF) has launched the Resiliency Command Center, a pioneering mobile behavioral health facility specifically designed for first responders in Florida. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to provide immediate mental health support on-site for first responders in the aftermath of crises and disasters.

The Resiliency Command Center is equipped with therapy rooms, private sleeping spaces, and confidential counseling areas that facilitate evidence-based behavioral health care. This state-of-the-art facility is intended to create a safe environment for first responders who often deal with high-stress situations during mass casualty events and emergencies.

Dr. Deborah C. Beidel, the executive director of UCF RESTORES, noted that while the center ideally should never be required, its establishment is essential for preparedness in the face of catastrophic events. The launch of this mobile unit comes as a supplement to the existing mental health services provided by UCF RESTORES, which caters to first responders, veterans, active-duty military members, and individuals impacted by natural disasters and mass violence.

The initiative received significant support from state funding, contributions from Lockheed Martin, and the University of Central Florida. This financial backing has enabled the UCF RESTORES to bolster its services, reflecting a commitment to addressing the mental health needs of those who serve on the front lines during emergencies.

State Representative David Smith, a Marine Corps veteran, underscored the importance of recognizing and addressing both the visible and invisible trauma faced by first responders. He endorsed the funding allocated toward the Resiliency Command Center, citing its critical role in supporting those who often carry the burden of traumatic experiences in their line of work.

The Resiliency Command Center will be operational in time for the upcoming hurricane season, which begins on June 1. The goal is to assist over 5,000 first responders throughout Florida, ensuring they have access to mental health resources when they need them most. Firefighter Engineer Lt. Dustin Hawkins from Indian River Fire Rescue acknowledged the importance of this center, emphasizing that it will help reduce the emotional toll on first responders, ultimately benefiting their families and communities.

Since its inception in 2019, UCF RESTORES has dedicated nearly 900 hours to providing mental health support to first responders involved in over 50 different disaster situations across Florida. The organization is also an integral part of Florida’s State Emergency Response Plan’s Mental Wellness Incident Management Team, focusing on immediate psychological support during statewide emergencies.

With the Resiliency Command Center now operational, UCF RESTORES aims to enhance the mental health landscape for first responders statewide, adopting a proactive approach to mental wellness in emergency situations. This innovative facility is a significant step forward in prioritizing the mental health needs of those who serve and protect their communities.