Trauma Support Services for our #1stresponders

By Safe Call Now and Sierra Tucson

In the wake of the recent tragedies and turmoil surrounding our nation’s men and women in blue, Sierra Tucson is partnering with Safe Call Now to help those affected by the police shootings. Post-traumatic stress (PTS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cause severe emotional distress, and symptoms often intensify over time. Our Trauma Recovery Team is ready and available to support the victims of these horrific events, as well as their loved ones.

“Following the incomprehensible violence in Dallas and the loss of police lives, we want our first responders to understand there are so many people and organizations who care about and support them, and who are willing to assist in any way possible,” said Sean Riley, president and founder of Safe Call Now—a 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety employees, emergency services personnel, and their family members.

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Police Suicide... A Life Saved

Safe Call Now

This is an email (with permission to use) that our partners at Code 3 Spices received after they put up a post on Facebook about Safe Call Now.  I like these kind of emails!!!

"My name is -------------. I am a 19 year police veteran from the state of _______. I wanted to thank you guys for doing what you do. You see, I have been through a lot of ups and downs and have seen a lot of horrible shit over the years of being a cop. Within the last year I got divorced, lost my house, Lost my mother and father, became depressed and I felt like everything was spinning out of control from there. 

Work was non-stop stress. I was involved in a situation that involved a horrible incident where 2 children were brutally murdered. I was the first one on scene. I went home that night, started drinking and thinking about all the horrible incidents I have been involved in and sat down at the kitchen table with my lap top, a pen and paper and my service weapon. 

Pharamacogenetics & the #1stresponder

Safe Call Now Partner Dr. Michael Genovese

As first responders do we know anything about medication when it is prescribed to us from our doctors?  The side effects, if it will actually work or not?  This is great information you need to know for your health and wellness.  Stay safe out there!!!

Michael V. Genovese, M.D., J.D.
Chief Medical Officer – Sierra Tucson 

With the advancement of medicine and the multitude of available options, psychiatrists face numerous challenges in tailoring the appropriate course of individualized treatment for patients. Pharmacogenomics is the study of how a person’s individual DNA affects his or her response to medications and a scientific method of evaluating which medications a patient is likely to tolerate. The primary role of pharmacogenomics is to develop rational means to optimize drug therapy, with respect to the patient’s genotype, to ensure maximum efficacy with minimal adverse effects.

There are many factors involved in the decision making process of administering medication such as efficacy, side effect profile, compliance, cost, family history, and the patient’s previous medication trials. Approximately 50% of patients do not respond to their initial medication treatment and up to 30% discontinue due to intolerable side effects. Additionally, nearly 70% of patients are non-adherent to their prescribed medication schedule, with adverse reactions representing the most common cause. The statistics reveal the demand for an individualized approach to patient care and a treatment plan specific to the patient’s needs.