A new partnership is adding deeper meaning to Saline County EMS Week 2026 from May 17-23, as Heroes Behind the Line has been named the official non-profit sponsor for this year’s observance, with a strong focus on the mental health and well-being of first responders.
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Each year, EMS Week recognizes the critical role emergency medical personnel play in keeping Arkansas communities safe. In Saline County and across Central Arkansas, EMTs and paramedics are often first on the scene during life’s most urgent moments, serving neighbors, friends and families in times of crisis.
This year, organizers say the focus goes beyond recognition.
Heroes Behind the Line will lead efforts throughout the week to address the often-unseen emotional toll the job takes on first responders. The initiative will promote mental wellness, encourage open conversations, and connect personnel with resources and support systems.
“Here in Arkansas, our first responders aren’t strangers—they’re our neighbors, our family members, and our friends,” said Serena Krone, Saline County EMS Week Coordinator. “They show up for us on our worst days. This EMS Week, we’re making sure they know they don’t have to carry that weight alone.”
This year’s emphasis on mental health is also deeply personal.
Organizers are honoring the memory of Brittany Wildhaber, a firefighter/EMT who died by suicide on September 1, 2017. Her story serves as a reminder of the silent struggles many first responders face.
In her memory, EMS Week efforts will focus on bringing mental health conversations into the open—working to replace stigma with support and silence with connection.
“Brittany’s story is not just one of loss—it’s a call to action,” Krone said. “If sharing her story helps even one first responder reach out, then we are honoring her in the most meaningful way possible.”
Several activities are planned throughout EMS Week in Saline County, including:
- Appreciation events honoring local EMS personnel
- Distribution of mental health and wellness resources
- Community outreach and thank-you initiatives
- Awareness efforts focused on suicide prevention and reducing stigma
According to national data, first responders face higher risks of stress-related injuries, burnout and suicide, making initiatives like this partnership critical to building a stronger culture of support.
“This is about more than recognition—it’s about responsibility,” Krone said. “We have to support the men and women who answer the call, not just during emergencies, but after the sirens are off.”
Residents across Saline County and Central Arkansas are encouraged to take part in EMS Week by sharing messages of appreciation and supporting efforts to improve first responder mental health.
For more information about EMS Week 2026 or how to get involved, contact:
Serena Krone
Saline County EMS Week Coordinator
📞 501-765-1940
📧 [email protected]
Heroes Behind the Line is a nonprofit organization founded in 2018 to support the mental well-being of first responders. The organization provides education, outreach and advocacy for firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel seeking mental health support.
Its mission is to help first responders access the benefits and continued treatment they deserve, while serving them with professionalism, confidentiality and respect.
For more information, visit www.heroesbehindtheline.org or find the organization on social media.
Browse MySaline’s list of all the events in Saline County at www.mysaline.com/events.
