Supporting the Mental Health of Our 9-1-1 Dispatchers

Every call is someone’s worst day. Dispatchers stay calm, gather critical details, and guide help—often while hearing fear, grief, or chaos on the line. Over time, that emotional weight adds up. The Cherokee County 911 Foundation invests in mental-health and wellness so our team can continue serving with clarity and compassion.

The Unique Stress of the Headset

Unlike field responders, dispatchers process crisis without a scene—no visual context, just voices and responsibility. They move from call to call with little space to decompress. Without support, this can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, or post-incident stress.

“Support isn’t a luxury. It’s what keeps us steady for the next call.” — E 9-1-1 Team Member

What Your Support Funds

• Counseling & Referrals: Confidential access to licensed providers; short-term care and referral pathways.

• Peer Support & CISM: Structured debriefs and check-ins after tough incidents.

• Resiliency Training: Practical tools for nervous-system regulation, sleep hygiene, and stress management.

• Decompression Resources: Quiet rooms, wellness equipment, guided breathing tools, and healthy snacks for long shifts.

• Ruby Dawn’s Role: A full-time therapy dog who helps staff reset and return ready.
  

Signs It’s Working

• Faster Recovery Between Calls: Simple techniques and dedicated spaces reduce lingering stress.

• Improved Team Morale: When people feel supported, they support each other.

• Better Outcomes for Callers: Calm guidance and clear judgment start with a regulated dispatcher.
  

How to Stand With Our Team

• Become a Heartbeat Partner (starting at $9.11).

• Underwrite Counseling Blocks or resiliency workshops.

• Sponsor Decompression Room Upgrades or wellness kits for shifts.