(Harrisburg, Pa.) — The Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association (PPFFA) has joined forces with The Guide App, an award-winning mobile app backed by scientific research that empowers first responders and frontline workers to build resilience, practice wellness, and foster connection safely and anonymously. Members of the PPFFA will have unlimited, confidential access to the clinically-proven coaching and community strategies of the Guide App directly through their individual smart phones.
The Guide App was built by leading wellness and resilience experts in the first responder and military communities utilizing industry-leading security solutions to ensure user anonymity and privacy. Customizable at both the individual and organizations levels, the app is tailored to address the unique challenges of first responders and frontline workers like burnout, depression, and other aspects of daily life and work. It combines researched-based, tactical wellness tools including: practical one to two-minute lessons for building a better life physically, mentally, and emotionally; achievable daily wellness practices like journaling and meditating; and small group coaching.
Its highly effective tools and resources have been shown to reduce anxiety by 29%, earning The Guide App the prestigious recognition as a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) “Top-30 Solution,” out of 1,300 applicants, to address and improve warrior wellness. The app is also a finalist in the VA’s Mission Daybreak Challenge, a national competition where the department is seeking expertise from the private-sector, nonprofits, and government collaborators to prevent suicide through a comprehensive, public health approach.
PPFFA President Bob Brooks praised the collaboration, commenting, “First responders embody strength, toughness and selflessness, often facing challenges that demand not only physical strength but also immense mental fortitude. We recognize the importance of wellness and resilience support for our firefighters, and our partnership with The Guide App is a significant step toward ensuring our members have the resources they need to navigate the challenges of their service. Our heroes deserve the best support as they face the rigors of their profession.”
In a recent usage trial, 88% of participants engaged with the app daily, of which 90% reported satisfaction with their experience. That’s because the unique approach of The Guide App is reducing common barriers to wellness support like stigma and lack of access by providing an anonymous space for first responders to invest in their own personal growth and development as their schedule allows. A time investment of just 15 minutes a day using the resources on the app can empower users to build resilience and improve overall life satisfaction.
“Every day, our firefighters are on the frontlines, serving their communities with unwavering bravery,” stated Patrick Sandone, founder of The Guide App. “We are honored to partner with the PPFFA to build a culture of wellness so that those who serve and protect are equipped with the necessary tools to maintain their health and resilience. This partnership is not just about providing resources; it’s about fostering connection and building a community where firefighters can find support and understanding from their peers who share similar experiences.”
With this new initiative, the PPFFA joins thousands of active users of The Guide App from a growing list of public safety agencies, including The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 (Philadelphia), the City of Dover Police Department (Del.), the Wilkes-Barre Police Department (Pa.), the Lindenwold Police Department (N.J.) and more.
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About Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association (PPFFA)
The PPFFA represents over 8,000 career professional Fire Fighters, Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics throughout Pennsylvania. It is a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). The IAFF is an international union affiliated with the AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labour Congress.
About The GUIDE App
Established in 2020, The GUIDE App is a leading provider of effective, secure mobile wellness and resilience tools for heroes and frontline workers that empowers everyday warriors to build resilience, practice wellness, and foster connection. Through trusted experts, an anonymous and accessible app, and clinically proven coaching and community strategies, we normalize personal development and create positive change.