New York State Suicide Prevention Conference Focuses on Improving Mental Wellness among Uniformed Personnel

Suicide Prevention Center of New York Hosts Training and Workshops on Building Resilience; Addressing Job-Related Stress and Cumulative Trauma

Capital Region-Based Conference Aimed at Addressing Disproportionately High Rates of Suicide Among First Responders, Veterans, and Others

The New York State Office of Mental Health announced efforts to address disproportionately high rates of suicide among military veterans and uniformed personnel, including law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical service workers, corrections officers, and 911 dispatchers. The agency today is hosting the second day of a conference with this focus -part of Governor Kathy Hochul's ongoing efforts to support the mental health needs of veterans and uniformed personnel -featuring nationally recognized speakers, subject matter experts, training, and workshops related to the impact of stress and trauma associated with these professions.

"Understanding the tremendous importance of the mental health of our uniformed personnel and veterans and realizing the impact of the stress and cumulative trauma they may experience, we must effectively support them as they serve our communities and keep us safe." OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. "This conference will provide information and invaluable insight into ways to promote mental wellness, build resilience, and address the nationally observed disproportionately high rates of suicide among these professionals."

The conference in Troy is hosted by OMH's Suicide Prevention Center of New York and features nearly two dozen speakers, including nationally recognized subject-matter experts, including mental health professionals, veterans, and leaders from the first responder community. Now in its second day, the event is drawing roughly 320 individuals representing 172 different agencies throughout the state.

Cumulative stress and trauma are common among uniformed personnel and have placed these individuals at greater risk of suicide. First responders were more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty, according to one recent study.

Likewise, the inaugural New York State First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment also highlighted the challenges facing these professions. Released earlier this year, the survey of roughly 6,000 individuals found that 53 percent experienced symptoms associated with depression, 38 percent experienced symptoms associated post-traumatic stress disorder, and 16 percent had thoughts of suicide.

Veterans in New York also disproportionately experience mental health issues and have a suicide rate nearly two times higher than civilians. Veterans under the age of 55 consistently experience the highest rates of suicide in New York.

The conference's objective to build resilience is parallel to OMH's CARES UP initiative, which provides $3 million annually to uniformed personnel agencies and veterans' organizations to increase suicide prevention efforts and wellness programming. So far, this initiative has provided funding to 36 first responder agencies and eight veteran-serving organizations via Onward Ops.

CARES UP fosters an open dialogue about mental health to reduce stigma and encourage uniformed personnel to seek help when they need it. The initiative uses a public health approach to integrate mental health and suicide prevention training with various wellness initiatives designed to enhance the overall health.

OMH is expected to release a request for applications for CARES UP later this fall. The initiative provides $60,000 over two years to agencies seeking the funding for the first time, and $40,000 organizations looking to continue the program.

Suicide Prevention Center of New York Director Dr. Jay Carruthers said, "We know that uniformed personnel are at elevated risk for a number of mental health challenges and even suicide by virtue of the work they have chosen. Cultural and organizational barriers can sometime pose a barrier to seeking help among our first responders and uniformed personnel. This conference, like the CARES UP initiative, will provide the expertise to foster an environment that prioritizes mental health and wellbeing among the uniformed personnel and veterans that serve and protect our communities and our nation. Together, we can chip away at the barriers."

Colonie EMS Chief Erin Kelly said, "Despite growing staffing shortages and the physical and emotional demands of this work, our providers continue to answer the call because they care deeply about the people and community they serve. In many ways, EMS has become one of the most reliable and consistent sources of healthcare for people - when someone calls 911, EMS shows up. CARES UP gives us the opportunity to show up for our providers, giving them the best chance to thrive in their lives and careers, not just survive."

Watervliet Firefighter and Peer Team Coordinator Tom Corcoran said, "Watervliet's Brave Minds Firefighter Wellness program provides mental health awareness and stigma reduction training, mental health assessments, and an effective peer support team -all made possible with the help of CARES UP. We have firefighters who have a better quality of life, others who have successfully returned to work after challenges, and others who have retired with dignity on their own terms because of this hard work."

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