Valor Station Treats First Responders with Care

Recently, Brandon Sikes, a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was killed in the line of duty and Gavin White, another deputy, was severely injured. It begs the question - how do families, friends, and colleagues move on and start the process of healing after a tragedy. 

Every day across area first responders – police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and 911 operators see and hear things that are difficult to comprehend and process. They start each shift unaware what they might face but press forward regardless. Each day might bring an incident such as the one involving the two Columbia County deputies, and the aftermath can be difficult – both emotionally and mentally. 

There’s a place in Augusta for just this reason - Valor Station. It’s a non-profit behavioral health treatment center exclusively for first responders run by first responders. The goal is to provide the post-trauma treatment needed. 

“As a career First Responder who has personally battled both substance abuse and mental health challenges, I know firsthand how vital a place like Valor Station is,” said Police Benevolent Association of Georgia Executive Director Patrick Cullinan. “The toll this work takes on our minds and hearts is real, and too often it is suffered in silence. Valor Station provides something we desperately need: a place where we can drop the armor, be seen, be understood, and begin to heal.”   

Valor Station is an intense four-week out-patient program although treatment schedules and frequency are flexible as needs require. Some patients need less time, others more. The staff consists of licensed mental health providers, peer specialists and a full medical staff that lays out a program from the time patients arrive until their release. They also provide group, individual, and couples therapy. Therapists use a combination of cognitive processing therapy to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and dialectical behavior therapy to help individuals manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and reduce self-destructive behaviors.  

 “The fact that so many of the staff have walked the same path gives it even greater strength,” Cullinan said. “This is not just another treatment center. It is a lifeline, built by and for those who serve. I fully support what they are doing because I know how much it is needed.” 

Although Valor Station is in Augusta, and many treated come from the local area, the program accepts first responders from all over the country. Valor Station has housing for patients from outside the local area and provides three meals a day. Those who choose to come to Valor Station must agree to specific rules and requirements. There is a no family visitation policy  during treatment unless approved by the facility operators.  Phones and tablets are limited to after treatment hours. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.  

While Valor Station does take insurance, regularly holds fund raisers, and receives government assistance, donations are essential. If you would like to know more about Valor Station, volunteer, or make a donation, here is the information that will help you contact Valor Station at info@valorstation.com or (706) 670-9797. For more information, visit www.valorstation.com.