New York State launches survey on mental health of first responders

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – A new survey from the New York State’s Division of Homeland Security is taking a closer look at the mental health of first responders.

About 6,000 first responders were recently surveyed across the state. Of them, more than 70 percent reported negative impacts to home life, physical health, and family relationships.

Locally, faith leaders on the ground say agencies are in crisis mode.

“Right now, the morale is super low. We’re in a crisis with first responders, especially police officers,” said Alisa DiMora, president of the Flower City Chaplains.

The nonprofit is rooted in resources for first responders, specifically the Rochester Police Department.

“We’re learning there’s a tremendous amount of acknowledgment that mental health is an issue for first responders, and that’s really good news. There’s also a real willingness to want help, but there are real barriers, and it’s our job to remove those barriers. It’s things like stigma, worry that the leadership of your department will look differently at you if you ask for help, and then some tangible ones like, ‘Is someone going to take my pistol permit away?’ All of that plays a role in the gap between people who know they should be seeking help and need help and willingness to get help,” said Jackie Bray, commissioner of the NYS Division of Homeland Security.

The survey is the first of its kind for New York, and Commissioner Bray says she hopes going forward, it will enable the state to more closely assess what first responders need in times of a crisis.

Groups like Flower City Chaplains offer counseling around the clock for the RPD, but say even a simple check-in can go a long way.

“They’re facing things that they never faced before. When officers are walking into Wegmans or going on the street and someone just says, ‘Hey, thank you for your service.’ You have no idea what an impact you’re having for that officer and how they appreciate it,” said DiMora.

The state plans to continue this assessment going forward. More on the study can be found here , and more on Flower City Chaplains and its resources can be found here .

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