UCF RESTORES-Trauma Therapy Program

03/23/2026

Rural first responders face unique challenges – but building strong mental wellness and peer support programs is possible in any department.

Join Suwannee County Fire Rescue and Magnolia Therapy Center for a free webinar, Building Rural Responder Resilience, for a real-world look at how a rural Florida department developed a practical mental wellness and peer support program. Participants will learn what worked, how resources were adapted for rural agencies, and have the opportunity to share ideas during an interactive discussion with fellow responders.

🗓 April 16
⏰ 1pm

Register: https://bit.ly/48TnIqc

03/20/2026

Nearly a decade after the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub, the work of healing and understanding trauma continues.

As the Pulse site is demolished to make way for a permanent memorial, this moment serves as both remembrance and reflection. The 2016 attack claimed 49 lives and injured many more, leaving a lasting impact on survivors, families, first responders, and the entire community.

In a recent episode of Engage by Central Florida Public Media, UCF RESTORES Executive Director Deborah Beidel, Ph.D., ABPP, discusses the long-term psychological effects of mass violence and the critical role of accessible, specialized care in supporting recovery.

Listen to the full episode here:

Nearly 10 years after the Pulse nightclub shooting, the building is demolished for a permanent memorial. Florida lawmakers are heading back to Tallahassee for unresolved issues.

03/20/2026

📣 Calling future EMS professionals (and anyone interested in mental wellness)! 🚑

We’re excited to spotlight The Mindset Project, a free, self‑paced online course offering four continuing education credits.

This course was designed with students entering the EMS field in mind – but it’s open to anyone who wants to better understand their mental health and prepare for the challenges of high‑pressure work.

You’ll learn how to differentiate stress from trauma (a module developed by UCF RESTORES!), how stress and traumatic experiences affect your body and brain, and build your own resilience toolkit.

Whether you’re a student, first responder, or just passionate about mental wellness, this course offers valuable insights with real-life applications and takeaways.

Enroll today and invest in your well‑being and professional growth:

Understand Stress vs. Trauma: Learn how to recognize the difference between normal "on-the-job" stress and the signs of long-term psychological trauma or PTSD.

03/19/2026

Reminder: Spots are still available!

Fire departments across Florida are invited to join the upcoming UCF RESTORES 2nd Alarm Project Firefighter Mental Wellness Train-the-Trainer Program – a no-cost opportunity designed to help agencies build sustainable, in-house mental health training.

This program prepares members of your team to deliver our 3-hour Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Course, helping departments strengthen support for their personnel from within.

Here are the details:
📅 March 24–25, 2026
📍 Tamarac, FL
💻 Includes a brief self-paced online curriculum review before the in-person workshop.

We encourage departments to send individuals involved in peer support, wellness initiatives, training divisions, or leadership who are passionate about advancing mental wellness in the fire service.

Reserve your spot today: https://bookwhen.com/2ndalarmproject/e/ev-si765-20260324090000

Can’t attend this session? Let us know you’re interested in future training opportunities: https://airtable.com/appd6JqJ894JrohjF/shrtWwhfFCPaQsytk

03/17/2026

Through our partnership with Central Florida Cares, UCF RESTORES is proud to offer REACT Peer Support Training at no cost to first responder agencies in Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.

Available through September 2026, this one-day training equips peer support team members with the skills to:

✔ Recognize stress injuries common among first responders
✔ Evaluate the presence of a stress injury in a peer
✔ Advocate for appropriate resources
✔ Coordinate higher levels of care

REACT is designed for firefighters, law enforcement officers, corrections personnel, dispatchers/telecommunicators, and EMS professionals who are committed to strengthening peer support within their agencies.

Limited classes are available. To learn more or schedule a class, email: REACTPeerSupport@ucf.edu.

03/16/2026

As news continues to unfold surrounding the escalating conflict in Iran and rising tensions in the region, many U.S. military veterans and first responders may find themselves experiencing difficult memories connected to their service.

For those who served in the Middle East, coverage of conflict, military operations, and political uncertainty can bring back emotions and experiences that have been “stored away” for months or even years. These reactions are a normal response to extraordinary experiences, and they deserve acknowledgment and support.

If the current news cycle is affecting you, consider reaching out to trusted friends, family members, or colleagues. Connection can make a powerful difference.

If you or someone close to you is experiencing symptoms of trauma or post-traumatic stress, the team at UCF RESTORES offers no-cost treatment consultations at (407) 823-3910.

03/14/2026

Help strengthen mental wellness in your department, starting from within.

The UCF RESTORES 2nd Alarm Project is hosting the Firefighter Mental Wellness Train-the-Trainer Program, a statewide initiative offered at no cost to fire service agencies. This program equips departments to build sustainable, in-house mental health training by preparing members of your team to deliver our 3-hour, evidence-informed Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Course.

By training internal instructors, agencies can promote greater credibility, consistency, and long-term support for the well-being of their personnel.

Begin with a self-paced online curriculum, followed by a 2-day, in-person workshop March 24–25, 2026.

Register here: https://bookwhen.com/2ndalarmproject/e/ev-si765-20260324090000

Or can’t attend this session but interested in future trainings? Complete the interest form:
https://airtable.com/appd6JqJ894JrohjF/shrtWwhfFCPaQsytk

03/10/2026

Want to know what kind of mental health messaging first responders really connect to?

In a recently published study led by UCF RESTORES Deputy Executive Director Kellie O’Dare, Ph.D., different communication materials were analyzed to evaluate what effectively resonated with first responders and their experiences.

It was found that real first responder stories and messaging that focused on wellness and resilience had a strong impact.

The takeaway? How we talk about mental health makes a difference. By using credible, individualized communication, we can help reduce stigma and encourage first responders to seek support when they need it.

Read the full article here:

IntroductionFirst responders may face significant challenges impacting their mental well-being, yet mental health services are historically underutilized due...

03/09/2026

In our fast-paced world, sleep often takes a backseat – but quality rest is essential for your health, mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall well-being.

is a reminder to slow down and prioritize rejuvenation. It’s not just about the hours you spend in bed, it’s about how restorative that sleep is. Simple changes, like consistent routines and a comfortable sleep environment, can make a big difference.

Watch the video below for tips to getting the healthy sleep your body and mind need:

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

03/05/2026

2025 was a defining year for UCF RESTORES – one marked by expanded access to care, strengthened partnerships, and a continued impact. We’re pleased to share our 2025 Annual Report, capturing the progress and purpose that drove our work throughout the year.

This year also marked a significant milestone: the merger of the 2nd Alarm Project, further strengthening our ability to serve first responders and their families with specialized, evidence-based care. By bringing this initiative fully under the UCF RESTORES umbrella, we’ve expanded our reach and deepened our impact within the first responder community.

Inside the report, you’ll find highlights from across our clinical services, training programs, research initiatives, and community outreach efforts. Each milestone represents lives reached and meaningful progress in expanding access to high-quality trauma care.

We remain committed to building sustainable, evidence-based solutions that meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve, today and in the years ahead.

Read the full 2025 Annual Report here:https://ucfrestores.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/61/2026/02/UCF-RESTORES-Annual-Report-2025.pdf

03/03/2026

UCF RESTORES is hosting an open REACT Peer Support class on Tuesday, March 24 at the University of Central Florida Emergency Operations Center.

This course is ideal for first responders who missed their agency’s REACT class, agencies with smaller peer support teams that may not have enough members to host a full course, and/or individuals looking to strengthen their peer support skills.

REACT provides practical, evidence-informed tools to help peer supporters recognize stress injuries, connect colleagues to appropriate resources, and provide meaningful follow-up support.

Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly. Register here: https://form.jotform.com/260325052907048.

03/02/2026

Today is .

The teen years are full of growth and change, but they can also bring stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. Supporting young people with guidance, connection, and resources is essential to fostering resilience and well-being.

At UCF RESTORES, we understand the unique challenges teens face – especially in first responder households – and the importance of providing access to practical support. Our Child/Teen Resource Library offers families tools to help teens navigate challenging times and prioritize mental health.

Explore our library of resources here:

Being part of a first responder family is something truly special. The experience can be filled with pride, purpose, and strength. When a member of your family chooses to serve the community, your whole family takes on the duty. Whether it’s celebrating promotions and milestones, showing up proudl...