Inaugural Mental Health Conference Spotlights Delaware Veterans & First Responders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |Thursday, November 13, 2025

Media Contact: Alexis Wrease

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (302) 622-2677

DOVER - Just one day after communities across the nation gathered in recognition of Veterans Day - Delaware boldly demonstrated their ongoing commitment to these heroes with a robust mental health and well-being conference for first responders and veterans.

The inaugural Healing The Helpers: A Mental Health Conference for First Responders and Veterans was an event conceived by the Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium (BHC) and co-sponsored with the Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) to ensure Delawareans who sacrifice so much for the safety of their communities know they are not alone and feel supported.

"It is my mission to ensure that veterans and first responders are never overlooked, undervalued, or unsupported. As the Chair of the Behavioral Health Consortium, I am prioritizing work that will bolster the statewide efforts focused on our heroes, including this conference," said Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay, Chair of the BHC. "With today's event, not only were we able to help pour back into the brave men and women who give of themselves to Delaware on a daily basis, but also identify opportunities to strengthen our systems to better meet their needs. This work is ongoing, and what we saw, heard, and learned allows us to chart a path forward."

Over 300 first responders and veterans were in attendance and heard from national speakers and panelists with similar lived experiences.

"Coming from a long line of first responders, I've witnessed generations of leaders suffer in silence - carrying the smells and the sounds of trauma home. Coping mechanisms are not enough, and as this conference demonstrates, we must arm first responders and their families with the tools, resources, and support, to focus on our collective well-being for the safety of ourselves and our neighbors, " Donna Eddy, Ambulance Lieutenant EMS Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company, BHC Working Group Member.

The event also included candid fireside chats and more than a dozen vendors - offering conference goers the ability to network and connect with state resources.

"First responders and veterans encounter events and experiences that everyday people could never imagine. And it is because of the burden of duty, I have made it my purpose to ensure that no one has to fight that battle alone," said Staff Sergeant Amos Callaway, DOC, BHC Working Group Member. "While we are resilient, we cannot thrive without a steadfast commitment to effective mental health resources for these brave men and women. I am confident that this conference is a crucial stepping stone to expand access to such life-saving tools."

Many of Delaware's leaders, including Governor Matt Meyer, Secretary Karen Berry of the Delaware Department of Veteran Affairs, Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Joshua Bushweller, members of the Delaware General Assembly and more joined throughout the day demonstrating the First State's steadfast dedication to fully supporting first responders, veterans, and their families.

"Every day, the men and women of law enforcement, corrections, and emergency response serve Delawareans in their moments of crisis. Healing the Helpers sends a strong message that strength is not just about stepping in to act during those moments of stress and trauma, but also about having the courage to seek out and accept care afterwards for themselves and each other. This conference reflects our shared commitment to these heroes by providing tools, information, and support to sustain them on the job and to enhance their physical and mental wellness in their professional and personal lives," said Commissioner Terra Taylor, DOC.

Learn more about the work the Behavioral Health Consortium is doing for veterans, first responders, and other diverse Delaware communities.

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