by Anne McCloy

Spike in #firstresponder suicides leads to NYS #mentalhealthcoalition led by sheriffs (WRGB)

New York State (WRGB) — Extreme #stress on #firstresponders is coming at a price, a major spike in #mentalhealthissues with deadly consequences. Now, emergency agencies have built a coalition to help our local heroes deal with trauma.

A new health and wellness program is being launched across New York State offering help to #police, sheriff's deputies, #paramedics and #firefighters.

MORE: GOP lawmakers question Hochul on status of #COVID response investigation

The coalition was created through a partnership between AT&T FirstNet and the New York State Sheriff's Association.

Livingston County Sheriff Thomas Dougherty is President of the NYSSA, he explains the #mentalhealthcrisis plaguing the people we call for help.

They hold that weight and that trauma, they fear that if they come forward they will have their gun, removed their badge removed they may not be able to provide for their families, so instead they silently suffer and very unfortunately they sometimes take their own lives so we take this as leaders in law enforcement, to change the culture, change the #stigma and that’s what this is all about,” Dougherty said.

#James Donaldson notes:

Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.

Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.

Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle

Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,

#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:

From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

In 2021, 177 #firstresponders committed #suicide nationally, 77 percent of which were law enforcement personnel.

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple and Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo spoke Wednesday the issue of #suicide in their own departments.

MORE: 'It's ok to need help': Dial 988 starting Saturday for national #mentalhealthcrisisline

The program aims to make it normal for #firstresponders to seek help with their #mentalhealth.

Separately, Governor Kathy Hochul says the state has successfully implemented a new three-digit number to help all New Yorkers reach the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline.

The number 9-8-8 launches Saturday and Hochul says all 62 counties will be covered. Some funding for the service comes from the federal government, but it's up to states to fill in the gaps.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=9695