This retreat was the very first all-women’s first responder retreat held in Utah to support women who work within our military, law enforcement and firefighter communities. The three-day retreat focused on mental health and equipped those with acute trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. Each applicant was recommended or self-nominated based on their desire to attend the retreat. During the retreat, attendees were offered free, onsite counseling with Dr. Tia White of Previdence. Dr. White’s organization also provided resources to assist all participants with their healing process after the event ended. This allowed each participant to maintain a continuum of care.

Many participants took some of the tools they were provided and implemented them into their daily lives as a way to heal and develop within their agencies. These included things such as adding yoga and meditation into their daily activities to reduce stress, reaching out to new friends to discuss their trauma, sitting on hiring boards and representing women in their career fields, meeting with their leaders to discuss issues women have within their jobs, and continuing therapy.

Based on the overall success of this retreat, there will be two retreats hosted in Spring 2023 with one cohort of women first responders from Utah and one cohort from Georgia. In addition, some of the participants from the previous inaugural event have volunteered to help with these retreats going forward. By creating a multi-state program, we are impacting more women first responders and assisting in setting up their own support network. We are setting the bar here in Utah and we are leaving a legacy of helping women first responders from all over the United States. These women will blaze the trail and set the standard of care for mental health in our female first responders!