Connect & Protect is a community-based mental health peer support platform designed specifically for first responders. It allows users to connect with peers or an AI chatbot for real-time, anonymous support on issues like stress, substance abuse, family problems, and suicidal thoughts. Departments can provide this service to their employees to ensure they have access to support when they need it most.

Connect & Protect is designed for first responders, including firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and other emergency personnel (currently employed or otherwise). It’s also managed by department designated administrators who can customize and modify their teams. Each user type has specific permissions tailored to their role.

Yes, your privacy is our top priority. All interactions on the platform are anonymous unless you choose to reveal your identity. We comply with all relevant data protection regulations and use encrypted communication to safeguard your information.

The AI chatbot in Connect & Protect is designed to provide instant support by offering responses and resources based on the issues you’re facing. It’s not a replacement for human interaction but a supplement to ensure help is available at all times. The chatbot can also guide you to peer support sessions or emergency contacts if necessary.

If a user is experiencing a crisis that goes beyond the scope of peer support, the platform can connect them to emergency resources such: access to emergency contact, direct connection to the suicide hotline, or even provide resources for professional counseling (if you have a predetermined local mental health expert office). Our goal is to ensure that every user receives the help they need, whether through peers or external support.

• A “Peer Support Personnel” (PSP) is a designated first responder who provides mental health support within their department, assisting colleagues by chatting and sharing resources. Their interactions are typically limited to members of their specific department unless they choose to expand their role.

• A “Global Peer Support Ambassador” (GPSA), on the other hand, is a PSP who extends their support to a broader audience, including individuals outside their department. GPSAs can chat with anyone who reaches out through the app, regardless of departmental affiliation, offering a more global peer support reach.

Departments benefit by providing their employees with a dedicated mental health support platform, helping to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve overall well-being. Additionally, the platform includes reporting tools to help departments track engagement and outcomes, supporting their efforts to create a healthier work environment.

Yes, Connect & Protect is highly customizable. Departments can tailor the app's features, such as resource libraries and emergency contacts, to meet the specific needs of their personnel. Customizable settings ensure that the platform aligns with the unique requirements of each department.

All peer supporters undergo training to become a Connect & Protect PSP (Peer Support Personal) at minimum to ensure they provide effective and empathetic support. We also monitor and collect feedback on peer support sessions to continually improve the service. Additionally, the platform allows for easy escalation to professional help if needed.

Our pricing model is based on departmental subscriptions, where departments pay a fee for their personnel to access the platform. This model ensures that the service is available to all first responders within a department, with the potential for future grants to subsidize costs.

It’s also available for purchase for individuals that aren’t provided the service by their department but would like to be a part of the community themselves. As long as you have a state or national certification number that can be entered to confirm status, you will be able to login and utilize our service.

Getting started is easy! Contact us through our website or via email at connectandprotectllc@gmail.com to schedule a demo or learn more about how Connect & Protect can benefit your team. We’ll work with you to customize the platform to your needs and get your department set up quickly.