Picente Announces State Grant to Launch Wellness Initiative for First RespondersView

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today announced that Oneida County has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the New York State Office of Mental Health to implement the CARES UP model, a comprehensive wellness initiative designed to support first responders and uniformed personnel.

"Our first responders face extraordinary pressures every day, often witnessing trauma and operating in high-stress environments," Picente said. "This grant allows us to proactively invest in their well-being by providing structured, evidence-based support that addresses the full spectrum of wellness. Taking care of those who take care of our community is not optional, it is essential."

The funding will assist leadership and workforce communities within first responder and uniformed personnel organizations in addressing the job-related stress and trauma often associated with these professions. The initiative is aimed at strengthening overall health, wellness and resiliency among those who serve and protect residents across Oneida County.

Oneida County's implementation of the CARES UP model will take a holistic approach, addressing multiple dimensions of wellness, including emotional, intellectual, financial, environmental, physical and social.

As part of this effort, the County will establish a Peer Support and Wellness Team comprised of personnel from the Oneida County 911 Center and partner agencies across the County. The team will serve as a resource hub, providing peer-driven support, training and wellness programming tailored to the unique challenges faced by uniformed personnel.

Developed by the State Office of Mental Health, CARES UP is designed to strengthen resiliency, teamwork and connection among uniformed personnel. CARES UP stands for:

• Changing the Conversation
• Awareness
• Resilience
• Empowering Peers
• Skills Building/Suicide Prevention for
• Uniformed Personnel

The model shifts the dialogue around mental health beyond stigma and shame, focusing instead on education, awareness, skill development and enhanced peer support systems.

Through the CARES UP initiative, Oneida County aims to:

• Reduce stress and burnout through proactive support and accessible resources
• Improve morale and team cohesion by fostering a culture centered on wellness and resilience
• Provide confidential peer support for individuals seeking assistance
• Offer practical tools and training to help manage emotional, financial and physical challenges
• Create a healthier, more supportive work environment across agencies

"This initiative is about culture change," said Oneida County Emergency Services Director Fran Manfredo. "By normalizing conversations about mental health, strengthening peer connections and providing tangible tools for resilience, we are building a stronger workforce and, ultimately, a stronger community."

Implementation of the CARES UP model will begin in the coming months, with additional details on training and peer support programming to be announced as the initiative moves forward.