Governor Kathy Hochul has announced New York’s first mental health needs assessment for first responders, a crucial step toward understanding and improving the mental health support for public safety professionals. This initiative, in collaboration with the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and SUNY New Paltz’s Institute for Disaster Mental Health, will utilize surveys and focus groups to gather data on the mental health challenges these workers face.
The assessment aims to provide tailored mental health care and resources for first responders, including law enforcement, EMTs, and emergency managers. Results will be shared at the 19th Annual Institute for Disaster Mental Health Conference, highlighting Governor Hochul’s commitment to enhancing New York’s mental health care system for those on the front lines of public safety.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to develop a statewide disaster mental health response, offering training and support to disaster mental health teams. By focusing on the unique needs of first responders, New York strives to improve their emotional well-being and overall job performance, ensuring a resilient future for the state’s mental health infrastructure.
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