Van Wert Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 681 Donates to Tri-County ADAMHS Board to Support First Responder Mental Health Services
The Van Wert Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 681 announced today a monetary donation of $22,000 to the Tri County Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board to support and enhance mental health resources for first responders across the region.
The donation was made possible from ticket sales and donations to the program at LifeHouse Church featuring Travis Howze on November 1, 2025, and reflects Local 681’s ongoing commitment to ensuring firefighters and other first responders have access to the mental health support they need. Firefighters routinely face high-stress, traumatic, and life-threatening situations, making access to timely and specialized mental health services critical. Both organizations share a commitment to promoting mental wellness, reducing stigma, and ensuring first responders feel supported both on and off the job.
The contribution from the Van Wert Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 681 will help the Tri-County ADAMHS Board continue providing essential programs such as counseling and access to licensed mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges of emergency service work. In 2023 The Tri County ADAMHS Board in partnership with Van Wert County Sheriff, Van Wert City Police, and Van Wert Fire Department began collaborating in addressing the mental health and wellness needs of First Responders in the Van Wert community through the Officer Wellness Pilot Project. This groundbreaking program created a partnership with local counseling practice, department leadership and the Tri County ADAMHS Board. The premise of the project is that many stress related conditions that may manifest into mental health or substance use disorder can be prevented if addressed early. To achieve this goal of early identification, Van Wert County Sheriff, Van Wert City Police, and Van Wert Fire Department staff participate in annual or bi-annual Wellness assessments with a licensed behavioral health counselor. These wellness visits are much like annual wellness visits to screen for and address physical health conditions. As part of the project design, counseling staff participated in cultural competency training in working with First Responders to better understand the unique challenges faced by the First Responder community. All Officer Wellness participants are also offered optional outpatient counseling, should further support or assistance be needed. The Board initially funded this project through a grant. The project continues to expand with the addition of departments in Mercer, Van Wert, and Paulding Counties.
The Board would like to recognize Sheriff Riggenbach, Chief Weigle, and Chief Jones for their commitment to their staff’s wellbeing through the Officer Wellness Project. The Board would also like to thank the Van Wert Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 681 for their commitment to reducing mental health stigma by bringing awareness through presenters like Travis Howze. The Tri County ADAMHS Board serves Mercer, Van Wert, and Paulding Counties. For more information about the Officer Wellness Project, contact the Board at info@tricountyadamhs.org.
