Arizona nonprofit helping emergency personnel amid COVID-19 pandemic
Mar 25, 2020, 4:35 AM | Updated: 8:58 am
PHOENIX — As Arizona’s first responders have had to shift their focus during the coronavirus pandemic, so too has an Arizona nonprofit that provides financial assistance to family members of emergency personnel.
The 100 Club of Arizona is addressing the added risk COVID-19 presents to first responders by making it easier for them to access information regarding medical services and best practices when engaging with the public.
“The threat of the COVID-19 virus to our first responders is at the forefront of our minds right now,” 100 Club of Arizona CEO Angela Harrolle told KTAR News 92.3 FM.
The 100 Club of Arizona launched an app late last fall for first responders to get more accessible mental health care and other services right in the palm of their hand.
The app has one version for police called bulletproof, and another for firefighters called fireproof, both of which have been updated and expanded due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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“We wanted to make sure these firefighters and these police officers had access to immediate resources,” Harrolle said
“We put them on the very front page of the app so that they have access to simple things like interim guidance for emergency medical services and for law enforcement through the CDC.”
Both apps are accessible for first responders and their families and continue to offer telehealth services for therapy and other mental health needs.
“Arizona first responders are in critical need of hands-on, confidential tools to help connect them with the most up-to-date wellness services,” Harolle continued.
There are currently no known cases of an Arizona first responder contracting the virus.
“It’s important that some of these smaller agencies who don’t normally have immediate access or larger programs in place – have access to resources that talk about specific precautions and recommendations,” Harrolle said.
