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Princeton Health offers support group for first responders on the front lines of the pandemic

Penn Medicine Princeton Health is offering a virtual support group for first responders because of the potential emotional toll the pandemic is taking on emergency rescue squad members, firefighters, police officers, corrections officers, and military personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has caused more than 170,000 deaths in the United States. First responders have been helping and caring for seriously ill patients while also risking exposing themselves or their loved ones to the coronavirus.

“Too Strong for Too Long” is a weekly support group for first responders moderated by first responders from Princeton House Behavioral Health. All first responders are welcome to attend the group, which meets via video on Thursdays at 12:45 p.m. Sessions can be accessed via a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Registration is required. Visit www.princetonhcs.org/calendar and search “Too Strong.”

The free, confidential support group offers an interactive platform for first responders to discuss ways to maintain balance and structure in their days, promote physical and mental well-being, and develop the resiliency needed to successfully navigate their professional and personal lives.

Moderators include the following Princeton House First Responder Treatment Team members: Veteran and former police officer Michael Bizzarro, former corrections officer Kenneth Burkert, retired police officer James Schneider, and Air Force veteran Kim Dove.