Badges United Foundation Helping Our First Responders

Everyday people dial 911 for emergencies. Their lives or others are in danger, and they need assistance from trained professionals. First Responders show up to their location across the United States to assist and rescue Americans in their toughest of times. Millions of calls a day and our First Responders are always there in a moments notice.

The toll this response takes on our First Responders' physical and mental health is significant. This constant and repeated exposure to trauma and stress can only be tolerated for so long before it has dire effects on the human body.  

We can see these effects in several ways.

• The past three years, our First Responders have been more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.  
• Our First Responders have an increased risk of heart attack at an earlier age.
• The use of alcohol and other numbing substances among our First Responders during off-duty hours.
• The increased divorce rate among First Responders versus the general public.

There are so many effects we can see in our First Responders' daily lives, but there are few organizations focused on giving our First Responders the relief they so rightfully deserve.

Badges United Foundation (BUF) is a recently started nonprofit focusing on giving our FirstResponders and their significant others an outlet for the repeated stress.

BUF's mission is the enhance First Responders overall wellness through exercise, nutrition, and sleep education so they can be physically and mentally prepared to support our communities tomorrow.

BUF hosts free recreation events for our First Responders and their significant others in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. area. At every event, there is a certified wellness coach who teaches wellness techniques our First Responders can implement tonight. The events also bring First Responders together so they can increase their support network and also experience some positive emotions.

People with repeated exposure to trauma regularly experience a numbness. While doing recreational events through BUF, First Responders can escape this numbness and finally experience a happy, fun, connected emotion.

You can find out more about Badges United Foundation at www.BadgesUnitedFoundation.org or following them on Facebook on the Badges United Foundation group.

Our First Responders and their families sacrifice so much for us. It is time for us to give back to them and show our appreciation for their service.

Thank you Dansun Photo for your impactful artwork.