Statewide Health & Wellness Program for all New York Sheriff Office Personnel with the Support of FirstNet, Built with AT&T
Why is this important? Compared to the general population, first responders experience higher rates of depression, post-traumatic stress, burnout, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It is estimated that more than one-third of first responders deal with mental health struggles. One study found law enforcement officers have a more than 20-year difference in life expectancy compared to the average American male, while another revealed that first responders are more likely to die from suicide than in the line of duty. Even before the pandemic, up to one in four first responders were estimated to experience post-traumatic stress. Stress can be a protective factor in the face of life-threatening events. Still, too many first responders go on to internalize and ignore traumatic experiences because of the stigma attached.
These staggering statistics are just some of the reasons why NYSSA and our member Sheriffs are focusing more on the health and wellness of our Sheriff’s Office personnel.
Working with our partners from the New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NYLEAP), the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (NYS-DCJS), and the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), the following resources/seminars will be available soon.
- 24/7 Confidential Peer Helpline for first responders and their families
- Provide resources and training to all NYS Sheriff’s Offices to establish a new agency-based Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or expand any existing program
- ICISF Certification for new agency peers
- Mental Health Resources (by agency, county, state)
- Post Critical Incident Seminars
- Critical Incident Stress Management, Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention
- Trauma Resources and Unified Management Assistance
- School Resource Officer-specific training through the Committee on Policing and Safeguarding Schools (C-PASS) to respond to the increase in incidents of school violence
Upcoming seminars and training opportunities
Check back soon for further training opportunities
Made possible by
as part of the New York State Sheriffs’ Health & Wellness Initiative
