It’s okay to not be okay, even if you’re a first responder.
In this important episode of In The Living Room, we sit down with Candi Havemann, Assistant Department Coordinator with Austin County EMS, to discuss the launch of the new Multi-Agency First Responder Peer Support Team during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Candi opens up about her personal journey, the hidden mental health struggles first responders face, and how this new peer support program is breaking the stigma by providing confidential, real-world support from people who truly understand.
Whether you’re a first responder, family member, or community supporter, this conversation offers hope, practical advice, and a powerful reminder that it’s okay to ask for help.
NEW Official Peer Support Contact Number:
979-551-5303
Applications to join the Peer Support Team are open until June 15, 2026.
In This Episode: The reality of cumulative trauma for first responders
How to recognize when a coworker or loved one is struggling
Why peer support across EMS, fire, law enforcement, dispatch & jail is so important. Supporting families and breaking the “suck it up” culture
Candi’s powerful message: “It is okay to not be okay.”
For those interested:
NEW Official Peer Support Contact Number: 979-551-5303