New York has launched an online training program for mental health professionals working with first responders.
The First Responder Mental Health and Cultural Awareness Training is a one-hour course designed for clinicians who work with or are considering working with 911 dispatchers, law enforcement, emergency medical technicians and firefighters. The training includes five modules covering first responder culture, workplace stressors, barriers to care, health disparities and engagement strategies, according to a March 24 news release from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office.
The training incorporates findings from the New York State First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment, which included a survey of more than 6,000 first responders. The assessment found more than half of public safety workers experience high levels of stress, burnout and mental health challenges.
Mental health professionals who complete the training are eligible for continuing education credit, according to the release.
The initaitive is part of a broader state efforts to expand behavioral health support for first responders, including a program that provides $3 million annually to support wellness and suicide prevention efforts across 53 first responder agencies and 11 veteran-serving organizations.
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