On Thursday, May 8th at 6:30 pm, a special screening of the documentary film: First Responders In Crisis, will be shown at the Chatham Orpheum. This film had the honor of being the selection of the opening night film for the Awareness Film Festival. First responders make up less than 2% of the population but account for nearly 20% of the suicides. This documentary looks at the mental health struggles of firefighters, police officers, and EMT’s, through a small town in New England. The director, Corey Moss will be part of the panel following the film. In addition, Keith Hanks, an integral part of the film, Founder of Traumatic Strength, and firefighter and EMT for 21 years, will be a guest panelist. Brian Harkins, Firefighter and Medic, and Lieutenant Dave Gambino, from this film, will be on the panel as well. Special guest and emcee, Joseph Carr, will lead this very moving evening to benefit First Responders. Chief of Police Mike Anderson will be part of this phenomenal panel as well as Retired Chief of Police in Yarmouth, Frank Frederickson. Victoria Wagner, Police Officer in Eastham who was awarded The United States Department of the Interior Citizen’s Award for Bravery, will also be part of this riveting discussion. The proceeds of this event will benefit the inaugural program for First Responders at Emerald Hollow Therapeutic Riding Center in Brewster. It is a proven fact that equine assisted learning helps first responders provide a safe space to process trauma, reduce stress and anxiety, build trust, and improve self-awareness, ultimately enhancing their ability to cope with the demands of their work and improve their overall well-being. Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, who is one of the leaders for the first responders program at Emerald Hollow, will be present to answer questions about this program that will be free to all first responders on the Cape. Please join us for an evening you will not forget. “Every day, first responders put their own lives on the line to ensure our safety”. Come and support this inaugural program dedicated to our first responders.