Mental Health
Mental Health Information and Resources for Law Enforcement Officers.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, there are numerous local and national resources available to help 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which may be reached by calling 1-800-273-8255; and Serve & Protect,
which may be reached by calling 615-373-8000.
Gary Sinise Launches Mental Health Network For Veterans, First Responders
How traumatic events impact the mental health of first responders: [Jim] Warring is a retired police sergeant who now works with police departments, bringing mental health resources to police officers. He said it’s important first responders have a chance to talk to someone after a critical incident.
LEAPS program helps law enforcement officers deal with stress
Program offered in Virginia Beach to help officers who are struggling
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Thursday in Montgomery, first responders were joined by Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, as they introduced legislation supporting those suffering from PTSD.
If passed, the bill will ensure that first responders will be reimbursed for mental health services surrounding their diagnosis as well as allow access to peer-to-peer help.
Since the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began in the United States in late winter and early spring last year, health care workers and first responders have reported extreme amounts of stress. Journal of Psychiatric Research recently published a study conducted in 2 counties in Utah and Colorado in April and early May 2020, before that region experienced its first surge of cases.
The survey of first responders, including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and health care workers, found that they are at risk for psychiatric illnesses at severity levels higher than other national disasters, including 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. On today’s episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with Andrew Smith, PhD, a coauthor of the paper and a faculty member at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He is the founder and director of the Occupational Trauma Program and holds a joint appointment at the VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System as a health psychologist.
Retired New York Police Officer, Eddie McNamara -- Once a member of the New York Port Authority Police, Eddie McNamara worked in rescue and recovery during 9-11 and has since struggled with PTSD. Now a chef, Eddie shares the story of how cooking has been instrumental in getting on the road to recovery.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland police officers who are dealing with stressors — such as family issues, substance abuse or mass protests — will have access to confidential mental health aid under a bill progressing in the state Legislature.
Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced Operation Courage, a new support services program designed to address the growing and long-term mental health care needs of frontline workers and first responders amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The program launched with a new website and an online assessment designed to encourage workers to get needed help.
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Broken Arrow police officers could get “critical” new mental health services if a proposal is passed at the city’s council meeting on Tuesday. All employees of the Broken Arrow Police Department would receive the services which include counseling and educational training.
Agencies Hope to Improve Mental Health Resources for First Responders
Police officers make life-and-death decisions. Their mental health should be a priority.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY — There's a new mental health and resource organization in Lemoyne for first responders.
Lisa Green felt compelled to start H.E.R.O.S an organization that bridges the gap between mental health and first responders.
Honeybees helping veterans and first responders cope with stress and PTSD
Occupational Trauma Program Offers Help To First Responders Struggling With Mental Health:
Like veterans who’ve served our country abroad, first responders in our own communities also deal with traumatic events that can impact their mental health. The unique challenge for many firefighters and law enforcement officers is that they also live in the same communities they serve in.
N.J. police department raising money for suicide prevention in memory of officer
Amid stressful year, St. Paul police mandates annual officer check-ins with therapist
The Quiet Crisis: Utah law enforcement share their mental health struggles
San Diego County Launches First Responders Behavioral Health Support Program
The Code 9 Project helps veterans, first responders with PTSD
The aching blue: Trauma, stress and invisible wounds of those in law enforcement
On the Front Lines, Mental Health Becomes a Priority
Local law enforcement focus on mental health of first responders
National First Responders Day: Putting mental health at forefront for first responders
Stress, plus: Lingering pandemic amps up mental, physical toll for Upstate first responders
The importance of mental health support for veterans and first responders
Officer shares mental health struggles: 'There’s resources there to help you'
First responders in all 50 states using University of Minnesota app to manage compassion fatigue
VSP mental health program checks in on first responders
Jordan Police Department launches mental health program for officers
Mental health resources improving for first responders, but stigma still a barrier
First responders urgently push for PTSD coverage at Ohio state capitol
First Responders Join U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly to Call for Resiliency & Suicide Prevention Resources
Mental health resources improving for first responders, but stigma still a barrier
Growing violence, COVID-19 takes emotional toll on first responders
Law enforcement has high suicide rates, mental health options available
Suicide rates for law enforcement officers on the rise.
A record number of law enforcement officers died by suicide in 2019, and now a local man is looking to recruit retired officers to help stem the rising tide.
Harvey Morse served 55 years in law enforcement in various capacities, from federal to local and everything in between, and in the last six months, two members of the Valucia County Sheriff’s Office, where he’s still actually sworn in, have taken their lives. Now that he’s technically retired, he’s trying to find yet another way to serve, and he’s looking for others to join him.
That’s how Morse became interested in CopLine, an organization that provides officers contemplating suicide or suffering from acute PTSD a confidential resource for working through those issues.
The Code 9 Project aims to prevent suicide & PTSD in veterans, first responders
Bangor Police Department gives insight on resources to protect officers mental health
Addressing the Mental Health of First Responders
Cornyn: Lubbock Police Dept. to Receive $73K Federal Grant for Officer Wellness
Townsend Police Share Support Resources, Services in Honor of World Suicide Prevention Day
Lebanon Police Department introduces new app for officer wellness
Chicago Police Department launches early intervention system four years in the making
Atlantic City officer’s suicide puts focus on police mental health
Cop-focused mental health program aims to erase the stigma of seeking help for trauma
Police Officer Suicide Sounds Mental Health Alarm
MPD officer death renews calls for police mental health resources: According to a 2018 report, police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
Syracuse Police Department to adopt new mental health service for officers
How a UW-Oshkosh Police Officer is Building a Bridge to Services for Law Enforcement Officers
Emotional support helpline being offered to Massachusetts first responders
A wave of Post Traumatic Stress may await health care workers and first responders on the COVID front lines | Column: "Not all wounds bleed and, at times, invisible wounds cut as deep as the wounds we see. That is certainly the case with a new kind of “warrior” on the front lines of a brutal fight against COVID-19. The health care workers — doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics, police and more — are heroes, dealing with a constant drumbeat of death while we are asked to sit on a couch, or social distance during a driveway happy hour."
Clarence Page: Police suicides raise questions about a hidden pandemic
The [above] guest column is by David Berez, a retired New Jersey police officer, in response to the death of Trenton police officer Daniel Pagnotta.
Suicide reminds us ‘real danger in police work isn’t physical, it’s psychological and spiritual’
Mental health experts said for some officers, the fear of seeking help is worse than the fear of dying because of the stigma attached to getting treatment. CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports.
According to Phil Cline, Executive Director, Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, "Get help. It's no sign of weakness. In fact, it's a sign you're smart."
DELAFIELD — A first of its kind in Wisconsin, the Delafield Police Department is unveiling a phone app designed to help officers cope with the stress of the job.
The app — called Cordico Shield — is specifically catered to the mental health challenges that first responders face as a result of their jobs. With one tap of their finger, Delafield officers now have access to more than 40 wellness categories on their phones — connecting them and their families to self-help resources.
Gov. Ducey announces $120K to support first responder mental health
Trone bill promotes confidentiality for mental-health services for first responders: "U.S. Rep. David Trone is confident his bill providing confidentiality for federal law enforcement officers using peer-support counseling will be passed, saying it has bipartisan support."
STAMFORD, Conn., July 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its extensive background treating the impacts of PTSD and trauma with military veterans, and the experience of offering mental health resources to frontline healthcare providers and first responders in New York City, Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) is now offering free services in six additional locations of great need, as coronavirus cases surge again putting more stress on hospitals and first responders.
CVN Frontline, a no-cost mental health resource center featuring interactive online support groups and asynchronous resources, is available now to Frontline Healthcare Providers and First Responders and their adult family members in Philadelphia, Tampa, Austin, Dallas, Denver, and San Diego. CVN clinicians from Killeen, Texas and San Diego, are facilitating the online support groups.
Importance Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness In The Workplace: "Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that affects approximately eight million people in the United States, including first-responders, military personnel, health care professionals, and firefighters. When a worker experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, the shock of the trauma can cause debilitating symptoms after the event. If left untreated, the symptoms can be quite severe, making it difficult for the individual to perform daily activities, interact with family and friends, or hold down a job.
Understanding PTSD is the first step to treating it. "
Resources for first responders | Teller Gives Back: "At Status: Code 4, we offer free trauma healing therapy, mental health and resiliency related training, and informative resources to first responders and their family members. Our services are private and confidential."
Make the Deal: The First Responder Antisuicide Pact
Lawmakers to study first responders' mental health and resources
First responders facing mental health challenges should know ‘it’s OK to seek help’
Under siege: Anti-police sentiment could fuel suicide epidemic, advocates fear: "America’s law enforcement officers were suffering a suicide epidemic before anti-police and racial justice protests engulfed the country. Now police advocates worry it will get worse."
Scott Medlin has worked as a Police Officer in North Carolina since 2007. Prior to that, he was in the United States Marine Corps.
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MCPD Officer suicide inspires national bill to improve police mental health services
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Berkeley police address mental health, wellness issues
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San Antonio peer support counselor offers first responders help via virtual conferences
Pinellas Co. nonprofit launches a free 'emotional support line' for mental health