2025 Kansas City Fire Service Behavioral Health Symposium

The IAFF Center of Excellence & Local 42 will be hosting a free, behavioral health training for fire service and community members.

About this Event

Join the IAFF Center of Excellence team and IAFF Local 42 for a continuing education training for members and peer supporters looking to expand their knowledge about behavioral health issues in the fire service.

Training is held in conjunction with Greater Kansas City Fire Fighters Local 42 and will begin at 8:30 AM EST at union headquarters at 6320 Manchester Ave, Suite 42A, Kansas City, MO 64133

Fire service members outside of Local 42 are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Complimentary lunch and certificates of attendance will be provided.

All attendees must register to participate.

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Agenda


🕑: 08:30 AM
Welcome

🕑: 09:00 AM
Behavioral Health in the Fire Service: Treating Unique Occupational Needs
Host: Dr. Abby Morris, MD

Info: This session will provide an overview on substance use disorder, grief, depression, anxiety trauma and PTSD among fire service members and evidence based treatment modalities for these conditions. Dr. Morris will also share emerging trends in behavioral health presentations and the unique approach to address the evolving landscape. IAFF Center of Excellence Medical Director, Dr. Abby Morris, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine with diverse experience in community mental health, substance abuse, inpatient and private practice settings. She is responsible for all inpatient care, training and future operations planning for the Center of Excellence and develops the individualized care plan that will follow each client throughout their stay. Since 2017, she has treated more than 3,800 fire service members in her role as Medical Director and will share her unique expertise.

🕑: 11:00 AM
Getting Serious About Sleep: Challenges and Opportunities for Fire Fighters
Host: Jeff Gauthier, IAFF Master Peer Support Instructor

Info: The effects of sleep deprivation can range from simply feeling aggravated to chronic diseases and mental health disorders. This webinar provides an opportunity to explore why sleep cycles are important and how sleep disorders impact fitness for duty and quality of life. In addition to learning powerful yet simple sleep hygiene practices, fire fighters will gain an introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which is proven to remarkably improve sleep in six weeks.

🕑: 12:30 PM
LUNCH
Host: Lunch provided by Local 42

🕑: 01:00 PM
Managing Cumulative Grief
Host: Lindsay Longo, IAFF Behavioral Health Specialist

🕑: 02:30 PM
Behavioral Health Impact of Cancer Prevention & Awareness
Host: Maria DH Koeppel, PhD

Info: Dr. Koeppel received her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University where she worked for the Crime Victims Institute and the Correctional Management Institute of Texas.


During that time, she was involved in data collection in Pr*son facilities, as well as a legal aid needs assessment for rural communities in Texas.


After graduation, Maria worked as a Research Analyst for the Kansas Department of Corrections where she played an active role in writing policy and legislative recommendations.


Prior to joining NDRI-USA, Maria worked as a full-time firefighter, a position she maintains on a part-time basis.

🕑: 03:30 PM
The Science of Self Regulation
Host: David Strother, LCSW, Valiant Therapeutic Services

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Kansas City, Workshops in Kansas City, Virtual events in Kansas City.