On National First Responders Day, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced new initiatives to improve mental health and wellness support for first responders in the state. The measures include a Responder Wellness Program Primer designed to help public safety agencies develop or enhance their responder wellness programs, a video highlighting the specific mental health needs of first responders, and a new website dedicated to providing resources on first responder mental health.
These efforts build upon Governor Hochul’s previous expansion of supportive services for first responders. A recent First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment revealed that more than half of those working in public safety fields experience high levels of stress, burnout, and other mental health challenges.
“Our emergency first responders show up for New Yorkers when it matters most and carry the weight of our toughest moments long after tragedy strikes,” Governor Hochul said. “I am committed to ensuring that first responders do not face these challenges alone. With new tailored resources aimed at strengthening wellness programs and mental health treatment, we’re supporting those who support us – and who dedicate their lives to protecting New York communities.”
The Responder Wellness Program Primer was developed with input from Wellness Officers and Coordinators across New York. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) also released a video addressing trauma exposure, stigma, and barriers to seeking treatment among first responders. This video is part of an ongoing collaboration between DHSES and the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) to create cultural competency training for mental health professionals, which will be available later this year.
All materials—including the primer, video, and additional resources—will be accessible on a new section of the DHSES website focused on first responder wellness. The site will offer links to useful tools such as the First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment conducted by the Institute for Disaster Mental Health and the Benjamin Center at SUNY New Paltz.
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray stated: “First responders face traumatic situations on a daily basis and it’s essential they have access to the support needed to protect their mental health. This new suite of resources gives public safety agencies the tools they need to begin building effective wellness programs, so we can take care of our first responders the same way they take care of us.”
Research indicates that uniformed personnel are at increased risk for cumulative stress and trauma compared to other professions. To better understand these issues within public safety fields, DHSES worked with SUNY New Paltz’s Institute for Disaster Mental Health on a survey involving over 6,000 participants from law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire services, emergency communications, and emergency management statewide.
Findings showed that more than half reported high levels of stress-related symptoms such as anxiety or depression tied to their jobs. Stigma remains a significant barrier; 16 percent said they had thoughts of suicide—a rate four times higher than that seen in New York’s general population.
Similarly, suicide rates among veterans in New York remain nearly double those among civilians—a figure largely unchanged since 2012—with veterans under age 55 experiencing some of the highest rates in the state.
New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said: “It is essential that we support the people who serve our communities and keep us safe. Our uniformed personnel and veterans are often finding themselves impacted by the stress and cumulative trauma they experience on the job. These resources will help promote their mental health, build resilience, and prevent burnout.”
SUNY New Paltz Institute for Disaster Mental Health Director Dr. Robin Jacobowitz added: “DHSES’s new initiatives turn data from the First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment into action by providing guidance for developing wellness programs and highlighting the unique mental health needs of first responders. The Institute for Disaster Mental Health at SUNY New Paltz is grateful for its partnership with DHSES in advancing the First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment and supporting our work.”
OMH leads several additional initiatives such as CARES UP—which funds agency efforts aimed at improving wellness among uniformed personnel—and recently hosted a two-day conference addressing high suicide rates among military veterans as well as uniformed professionals including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS workers, corrections officers, and 911 dispatchers.
OMH also manages New York’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offering 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress or needing crisis support.
