Augusta firefighters will receive expanded behavioral health services and early cancer detection screenings through a more than $300,000 federal grant.
The funding comes from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, according to a community announcement. The grant supports a $335,946 project with two health initiatives.
The project allocates $106,200 for annual confidential mental health check-ins with licensed clinicians experienced in public safety, plus follow-up care when needed. Another $229,746 will fund screenings designed to identify potential signals associated with more than 50 types of
cancer. Medical follow-up will be coordinated through local health care providers.
Augusta Fire Chief Antonio Burden said the programs are intended to provide firefighters with early detection, structured care and long-term support.
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This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta fire grant funds cancer screenings, mental health
