In a significant move to protect the mental health of those who serve, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the distribution of 18 new grants under the CARES UP initiative, aimed at bolstering suicide prevention and trauma training for veterans and uniformed personnel across New York State.
Each recipient will receive $60,000 over two years to implement mental wellness and resilience programming. The funds will support law enforcement agencies, fire departments, EMS services, emergency communication centers, corrections facilities, and veterans’ organizations. Eleven additional groups will receive $40,000 sustainability awards to continue mental health efforts already underway.
“New York’s first responders and uniformed personnel routinely go above and beyond the call of duty, and often at great personal expense,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding will ensure these organizations and agencies are better equipped to cultivate resilience and mental wellness among their ranks.”
Administered through the Office of Mental Health’s Suicide Prevention Center, CARES UP provides training from national experts on topics such as suicide prevention, peer support, and stress management. The initiative also partners with Onward Ops to aid veterans transitioning from active service.
The need for these efforts is urgent. A statewide assessment of more than 6,000 first responders found that over half experienced high levels of job-related stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Sixteen percent reported suicidal thoughts — four times the rate in the general population. Similarly, veterans in New York die by suicide at nearly twice the rate of civilians, with younger veterans facing the greatest risk.
“This vital funding — and the essential services it enables — will ultimately save lives,” said Viviana DeCohen, commissioner of the Department of Veterans’ Services.
The FY25 Enacted Budget increased annual funding for CARES UP to $3 million, allowing for expansion of the program’s reach. This year’s recipients span every region of the state, from Albany and Onondaga to Suffolk, Sullivan, and St. Lawrence counties.
“Behind every uniform is a person who has carried the weight of service,” said State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. “These grants will not only strengthen suicide prevention efforts but also expand wellness programs across New York State.”
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