In a groundbreaking move to expand and enhance mental health resources for Florida’s first responders, UCF RESTORES and the 2nd Alarm Project have officially merged. This partnership unites UCF RESTORES’ national leadership in clinical trauma treatment and research with 2nd Alarm’s trusted, grassroots peer support initiatives. Together, we’re aiming to address critical gaps in behavioral health care by creating a comprehensive system of support for firefighters, their families, and their agencies.
To explore the significance of this milestone, we sat down with Deborah C. Beidel, Ph.D., ABPP, Executive Director of UCF RESTORES, and Kellie O’Dare, Ph.D., Founder of 2nd Alarm Project who has joined the University of Central Florida as a Research Associate Professor and Deputy Executive Director of UCF RESTORES.
Together, they share their insights on what inspired this partnership, how their combined strengths will benefit first responders, and what exciting programs are on the horizon.
What inspired the decision to merge UCF RESTORES and the 2nd Alarm Project?
Dr. Beidel:
Dr. O’Dare and I have been talking about a more formal alliance of our organizations and work for several years, and we’ve considered several different possibilities.
It was clear that our passions and long-term goals were in alignment. It became especially evident through our work during major crises – like the Surfside Condominium Collapse and Hurricanes Ian and Idalia – that we shared the same vision for our work, and that our organizations had complementary, yet unique, strengths. By combining forces and working within the same organization, we could amplify our impact and move forward with unified goals and purpose.
Dr. O’Dare:
The decision to merge stemmed from a shared mission and recognition of how our strengths complement one another. Both of our organizations have been deeply committed to enhancing mental wellness support for first responders and their families, and this merger allows us to take those efforts to the next level.
By uniting, we’re creating a more accessible, comprehensive system of care – one that meets individuals where they are, both in their communities and within their unique journeys.
UCF RESTORES’ expertise in clinical research and evidence-based treatments perfectly complements the 2nd Alarm Project’s community-driven approach and grassroots connections with first responders.
It’s a move that not only expands our reach but also fosters sustainability, helping public safety organizations build systems of resilience while equipping first responders and their families with the tools they need to thrive. The alignment of our missions and resources just made sense, and this partnership represents a powerful step forward in addressing the critical gaps in first responder behavioral health care.
What changes can first responders and their families expect to see as a result of this merger?
Dr. O’Dare:
First responders and their families will now have access to a broader range of mental health resources, including cutting-edge clinical treatments, expanded peer support networks, and family-focused programs. One of our key priorities is ensuring resources are accessible across the state, particularly in regions where they’ve historically been scarce.
This partnership isn’t just about immediate support – it’s about equipping public safety organizations with the tools to build long-term resilience and stronger, healthier communities.
Technology will play a central role in this partnership, enabling flexible, real-time support through telehealth platforms, app-based tools, and other innovative resources. Another major focus is research – studying the unique mental health challenges faced by first responders and using those findings to drive innovation, improve outcomes, and inform best practices.
By streamlining services and building on the strengths of both organizations, we’re addressing barriers to care and tailoring programs to meet the unique needs of first responders and their families.
Dr. Beidel:
Our priority is ensuring continuity of care, research, and service. Beyond changes to logos and titles, first responders and their families will experience the same high-quality services they’ve come to trust.
By pooling our resources and expertise – and operating as a unified voice on mental health and resilience issues – we’re creating a more robust system of care that addresses both immediate needs and long-term challenges.
Our unified voice and shared mission will ensure first responders and their families have greater access to resources statewide, particularly in areas where support has historically been limited. At the same time, our research team will continue to innovate, advancing the science behind effective treatments and sharing those findings with the broader first responder community.
While this merger strengthens our focus on first responders and their families, UCF RESTORES remains committed to its broader mission of serving veterans, active-duty military personnel, the broader first responder community, and other trauma-affected civilians. UCF RESTORES’ integration with the 2nd Alarm Project enhances our ability to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care to a diverse range of individuals and communities.
How does the clinical expertise of UCF RESTORES complement the grassroots approach of the 2nd Alarm Project?
Dr. Beidel:
At UCF RESTORES, we have been at the forefront of developing, testing, and validating new treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder since 2011. And our evidence-based approach allows us to continuously refine our programs. For example, our program for first responders is shorter than the one we offer for veterans and places a greater emphasis on relapse prevention, recognizing that first responders will continue to face occupational stress and trauma after completing treatment. That level of tailoring is critical to meeting the unique needs of those we serve.
Our blend of clinical innovation and community-based resources has inherent synergy, and it allows us to address the full spectrum of first responder behavioral health needs.
Meanwhile, the 2nd Alarm Project has led grassroots initiatives that help first responder departments build their own Behavioral Health Access Programs (BHAP) – a comprehensive approach to behavioral health. These broad-based initiatives offer a rich range of services, from peer support and chaplain access to culturally competent therapists, depending on the needs of the individual or family. The 2nd Alarm Project provides an app that helps departments build out their programs, offers expert guidance, and sponsors training for various components.
Dr. O’Dare:
UCF RESTORES brings decades of clinical expertise and a proven track record of developing and implementing evidence-based treatments for trauma and PTSD. Their work is rooted in rigorous research, outcomes-driven care, and a deep understanding of the unique cultural needs of first responders. The 2nd Alarm Project adds to this legacy with its strong, community-driven approach, grounded in the lived experiences of first responders and their families. Together, we’re deeply synergistic – combining clinical excellence with grassroots insights to ensure first responders can access care that is both trusted and transformative.
By integrating the strengths of UCF RESTORES and the 2nd Alarm Project, we’re creating a system that delivers scalable solutions.
What makes this partnership so impactful is the unique blend of expertise and perspective. Our teams include clinicians, researchers, and first responders who understand the challenges these communities face – not just academically, but personally. This combination allows us to develop programs that are not only innovative but also trusted and relatable, offering first responders resources that fit seamlessly into their lives – whether through their agencies, communities, or at home.
Whether via peer support training, building departmental Behavioral Health Access Programs (BHAP), or offering tailored clinical treatments, our approach is comprehensive and adaptable. We’re focused on ensuring first responders and their families receive the right support at the right time, no matter their unique challenges or circumstances.
What new programs or initiatives can we expect in the coming year?
Dr. O’Dare:
In the year ahead, we’re expanding integrated peer support programs to give first responders practical tools and strategies to build resilience and maintain wellness. We’re also introducing new family-centered initiatives to address the ripple effects that first responders’ mental health challenges have on their loved ones, with the goal of creating a more comprehensive network of care.
One major initiative on the horizon is a statewide first responder suicide prevention framework, designed to address this critical issue through coordinated efforts, community engagement, and evidence-based, best-practice strategies.
Advancing research remains a priority. By deepening our understanding of first responders’ unique needs, we can drive innovation in care strategies and improve outcomes. Training the next generation of clinicians and providers is also central to our mission, with programs designed to equip professionals with the skills required to serve this specialized population. And again, technology will play a pivotal role in these efforts, with new app-based resources, virtual reality (VR) care platforms, and digital tools providing real-time, accessible support.
We’re also dedicating focus to underserved groups – particularly retirees – ensuring they have access to the resources and care they need after transitioning out of active service.
By collaborating with local agencies and broadening our outreach, we’re working to ensure that first responders and their families across Florida can access the support they need to thrive. These efforts reflect a forward-thinking, holistic approach to resilience, strengthening public safety organizations and the communities they serve.
Dr. Beidel:
We are working on new programs for retirees, families, and children, ensuring that first responders and their loved ones have access to tailored support throughout various stages and areas of life.
Additionally, we are prioritizing resources for clinicians who work with first responders, helping them better understand the unique cultural nuances of this community. For example, we’ve recently introduced a new online course designed to educate clinicians about the culture of the fire service, which is live at www.firefighterculture.com. This summer, we’ll launch a similar course for law enforcement to further extend our reach.
These initiatives reflect our commitment to building a comprehensive system of care that meets the diverse needs of first responders and their families.
By combining UCF RESTORES’ evidence-based clinical expertise with the 2nd Alarm Project’s community-driven approach, we’re creating a robust framework to deliver accessible, impactful support statewide.
Beyond these efforts, our team is collaborating on new tools and training programs. By combining UCF RESTORES’ clinical expertise with the 2nd Alarm Project’s community-focused approach, we’re ensuring these resources are both evidence-based and accessible. And, while I can’t share everything just yet, there are a few exciting initiatives in the works … but we’ll need to save those for a later reveal!
Closing the Gap in First Responder Behavioral Health
The merger between UCF RESTORES and the 2nd Alarm Project represents a unified effort to improve how those who safeguard our communities access mental health care. By combining cutting-edge clinical expertise with grassroots connections and innovative programs, we’re creating a more comprehensive system of support for those who serve.
And this is just the beginning. Together, we’re developing sustainable solutions that not only address today’s challenges, but also pave the way for a healthier, more resilient future for first responders and their families.
Want to learn more about how this partnership is making an impact? Read the full announcement here and stay tuned for updates as we continue working to restore lives, strengthen communities, and redefine behavioral health care for our nation’s first responders.