Info for First Responders
By First Responders - For First Responders
You’re in the right place. This space was built for you — the Firefighter, the Police Officer, the EMT, the Paramedic, the Dispatcher. It was created by fellow first responders who understand what you are going through, how you feel, where you are right now & how the hell to get back to where you want to be.
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We know the job. We also know that traditional tools for mental health don't always work for our community. The FRC is dedicated to empowering you with trusted, stigma-free information about groundbreaking mental health treatments, including psilocybin-assisted therapy.
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We believe that healing happens in community. Attend a free info session to learn about the safe and confidential regulated options available to you. Join a support group to prepare for or process with other first responders and help each other through your experiences. Private, individual consultations are also available.
Our promise is simple:
Holding each other up, holding each other accountable,
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walking each other home.
Your Well-being Matters:
Exploring Options for Mental Health & Resilience
You Are Not Alone
First responders face extraordinary stress—shift after shift, they carry the weight of traumatic scenes, split-second decisions, and the unrelenting pressure to stay composed in crisis. These challenges take a real toll, often in silence. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or emotionally exhausted, you’re not alone—and you’re not weak.
Many who serve alongside you have faced similar struggles. The First Responder Coalition (FRC) exists to break that silence, to offer connection without judgment, and to remind you that your well-being matters just as much as the lives you protect. Through shared experience, trusted information, and access to legal, vetted resources, FRC is here to support you—not as an outsider, but as part of your extended peer network.
Understanding Psilocybin:
An Introduction to Psilocybin-Assisted Support
Understanding Psilocybin
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in certain species of mushrooms, sometimes called “magic mushrooms.” It has been used for centuries in traditional and ceremonial contexts, and today it's gaining attention in modern science for its potential mental health applications. When ingested, psilocybin is converted in the body to psilocin, a substance that affects perception, mood, and cognition.
The Science Simply Explained
Psilocybin interacts with the brain’s serotonin system, particularly by binding to 5-HT2A receptors, which play a key role in mood and perception. One major effect researchers have observed is a temporary quieting of the brain’s “default mode network”—the part responsible for self-reflection and rumination. This can lead to a sense of openness, clarity, and emotional release. Studies also suggest that psilocybin may promote neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to form new connections, which is crucial in healing from trauma and breaking out of rigid mental patterns.
Potential Therapeutic Uses
Clinical research and state-regulated programs have been exploring psilocybin’s potential to help treat a range of mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and end-of-life distress. In some trials, participants have reported long-lasting improvements after just one or two carefully guided sessions. While research is ongoing, the early results are promising.
How it Differs
Therapeutic use of psilocybin is very different from recreational use. In a clinical or legal framework, sessions are facilitated by trained, licensed professionals who provide preparation, guidance, and integration support. This creates a safe and structured environment where individuals can explore personal challenges with intention, support, and emotional safety. The presence of an experienced facilitator significantly reduces the risk of distress or confusion and can help individuals make sense of what arises during the experience—often leading to deeper healing and lasting transformation.
Psilocybin
A New Tool for Our Toughest Battles
This isn't about "getting high"—it's about getting well. Decades of cumulative stress, trauma, and burnout require powerful, effective solutions. Groundbreaking research is showing that psilocybin-assisted therapy, conducted in a safe and legal setting, can be a profound tool for addressing challenges common in our line of work:
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Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS):
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Helps process and integrate traumatic memories that are "stuck."
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Depression & Anxiety:
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Can break cycles of negative thought and provide a renewed sense of purpose.
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Burnout & Compassion Fatigue:
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Offers a reset that can reconnect you to yourself and your mission.
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We provide clear, science-based information on how this therapy works and why it’s showing so much promise for our community.
Why Education is Important to Us
Empowering Informed Choices
At FRC, we believe first responders deserve access to all available mental health resources—free from misinformation or stigma. Our education initiatives ensure personnel in Oregon and Colorado can make fully informed decisions about psilocybin-assisted therapy, grounded in current science and legal frameworks. Knowledge transforms uncertainty into agency, especially when navigating emerging therapeutic options.
Reducing Stigma, Building Compassion
The barriers to mental healthcare for first responders aren’t just logistical—they’re cultural. We address this head-on by fostering open, evidence-based conversations about psilocybin and mental health. By normalizing these discussions within the responder community, we help shift perceptions and create pathways to healing that many never felt were available to them.
Safety Through Responsibility
Education isn’t advocacy—it’s risk reduction. We emphasize responsible exploration of psilocybin therapy, including:
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Legal compliance (strict adherence to OR/CO regulations)
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Health and safety considerations (screening, medical oversight)
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Integration with existing mental health support systems
Our goal is to ensure that if responders pursue these options, they do so as safely and effectively as possible.