As a society we've been able to shed some of the stigma surrounding mental health and wellness in our communities. But that work is far from over. There are men and women who work as emergency responders who may be struggling who also may not be comfortable talking about it with friends and family. And managing the work-related trauma in their lives can be a daunting task. There's a group working to ensure first responders and their families have the support they need to understand, navigate and manage the potential for that trauma and it's impact. The First Responders Steering Committee is putting together a conference to provide a space to bring these workers and volunteers, along with their employers and managers, to network. They'll also be given a chance to hear from experts in the field of mental health and traumatic psychological injury. Mike Sears is a Captain with Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency. He is also involved with the steering committee working at putting on the conference that will happen in Halifax on September 13th and 14th. He is working hard at the goals to help save lives and eliminate stigma for fire, police, corrections, paramedic and other emergency responders and their families.