Overview
Supporting the health of those who serve
Cleveland Clinic’s First Responder Wellness Program is designed to protect the long‑term health and readiness of firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, law enforcement officers, and all emergency personnel. First responders face unique physical and psychological challenges, and our program delivers a comprehensive, confidential, and preventive approach to managing those risks.
A complete annual health assessment
Each participant receives a dedicated, in‑depth annual exam tailored to the occupational exposures and stressors common in emergency services. These evaluations go far beyond a standard physical, offering a thorough look at overall health and early indicators of chronic or evolving conditions.
Our assessments may include:
- A one‑hour, full‑spectrum medical exam
- Extensive laboratory testing (including CBC, CMP, lipid profile, heavy metals, viral titers, vitamin D, PSA when applicable, and more)
- ECG interpreted by a cardiology specialist
- Chest X‑ray
- Vision and hearing evaluations
- Spirometry to assess lung function
- Mental health screenings to identify concerns such as sleep disturbances, depression, PTSD, or substance-use risk
- Immunization review and updates
Focused screening for occupational health risks
Emergency responders experience exposures and stressors that increase the likelihood of certain health conditions. Our program is structured to identify early signs of:
- Cardiovascular, neurological, pulmonary, kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal disease
- Genitourinary and central nervous system cancers
- Lung, skin, skeletal, and blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma
- Metabolic syndrome and other chronic conditions
- Behavioral health concerns linked to traumatic stress and shift‑work patterns
Streamlined follow‑up and care coordination
Cleveland Clinic ensures that follow‑up care is seamless and timely. After each wellness exam:
- Necessary referrals are scheduled immediately
- Results are securely shared with the first responder’s primary care provider
- Additional screenings—such as colonoscopy, mammography, or chest CT—are coordinated when clinically indicated
Insurance and billing
The program is structured to align with preventive‑care benefits commonly found in insurance plans, often allowing participants to receive services with no deductible or out‑of‑pocket cost. (Coverage may vary; see program FAQ for details.)
Our commitment
By combining clinical expertise, comprehensive screening, and an understanding of the unique demands of emergency work, Cleveland Clinic helps first responders maintain peak readiness and long‑term health. This program reinforces our shared commitment to safeguarding the people who consistently put others first.
For more information, download our guide.
Contact us
Gregory S. Ivanovics, MPH, EMT-P
Program Manager III NE
First Responder Wellness
440.312.5317 (O)
440.312.5316 (F)
givanovi@ccf.org
Our First Responder Wellness Providers
Our First Responder Wellness Providers are experienced emergency medicine clinicians whose careers have been profoundly shaped by decades of working alongside first responders. With extensive backgrounds spanning emergency departments, urgent care, psychology, trauma, nursing, advanced practice, and lifestyle medicine, they have cared for countless first responders during high‑stress and critical incidents throughout the greater Cleveland area.
These experiences have given them a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and psychological demands placed on those who serve our communities. Through this work, they have developed a strong respect for the unique challenges first responders face and are dedicated to delivering patient‑centered, proactive, and accessible healthcare tailored to their needs.
Beyond clinical practice, our First Responder Wellness Providers are committed to supporting wellness, resilience, and long‑term quality of life—reflecting their shared mission to care for and empower the professionals who protect and serve others every day.
