From the beginning of the campaign, the mental health system in the Ministry of Health has been working to provide a tailored response to all populations in the country. Like the rest of the healthcare system, this system has also adapted its activities according to the emergency situation based on three principles: immediate operational readiness – including full emergency routine; national functional continuity and response to any scenario. Within this framework, public services are operated, such as the health fund helplines, the national resilience center operating 24/7, and more.
Now, the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the ERAN and SAHAR – Online Support and Listening associations, is launching a supplementary mental health support system for security and rescue forces (first responders) and their families. The initiative is designed to provide anonymous and accessible emotional support 24/7, tailored to the unique challenges of security and rescue forces and their families, with the aim of strengthening personal resilience and preventing risk and suicidal behaviors.
During this period, characterized by high operational intensity and prolonged exposure to extreme events, security and rescue forces are at the forefront of action. Professional literature indicates that many of them avoid seeking help within the organization due to fear of harming their professional image or career prospects – barriers that can lead to burnout and in extreme cases, even suicidal behaviors.
The new system will be operated by volunteers who have undergone specialized training to understand the security content world and the typical dilemmas of those serving. The service is based on complete anonymity and confidentiality and is also open to family members, out of understanding that home resilience directly affects the service member’s functioning.