Safe Call Now was established with the idea that no first responder, medical professional or emergency personnel should have to face a crisis alone. Spearheaded by former Lt. Governor Brad Owen of the State of Washington, former Congressman Dave Reichert and Gil Kerlikowski, drug czar during President Obama's administration, legislation was passed in Washington State that protects all first responders, as well as medical and emergency personnel and their family members with a confidentiality guarantee if they come forward and ask for help. This confidentiality extends for callers nationwide. 

 

The organization was founded by former officer Sean Riley whose 20-year career in law enforcement ended in 2005 when he could no longer hide his "secret" behind the badge – addiction to alcohol and drugs. After a period of rehabilitation and recovery, Sean went back to college for substance abuse counseling. Later, he worked as a supervisor at a local treatment center where he witnessed a surprising amount of public safety and medical professionals coming in for treatment. 

 

From experience, Sean knew that first responders who wanted to come forward and receive help for addiction, PTSD, or behavioral health problems often will not due to stigma, fear of job loss - or both. Unfortunately, these unresolved issues they can lead to far worse consequences for the brave professionals who put themselves in harm’s way to protect and heal others. 

 

Sean decided to do something about it.

 

Safe Call Now provides these individuals with a simple and confidential way to ask for help for a wide range of issues. Staffed by public safety professionals and former law enforcement officers, Safe Call Now is a safe place to turn where they can connect with and receive support from trained staff who understand the demands of their careers. Our trained peer advocates provide assistance, resources, and support for any public safety or medical personnel, and their families, who are experiencing a crisis, or need someone to lend them an ear. 

 

Safe Call Now works collectively with a variety of unions, public safety groups and various mental health and substance abuse professionals to support first responders and those in the line of trauma around the nation.