Suicide Awareness Prevention for First Responders Resources
Content Note:
This post discusses suicide, suicide loss, suicidal thoughts, grief, mental health, emotional pain, or crisis support. Please read with care. If this topic feels activating, it is okay to pause, step away, or reach out for support.
If you are in crisis, thinking about suicide, at risk of hurting yourself, or in immediate danger, call 911, call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room. This blog is not monitored for crisis support.
My dad is a retired police officer. I have a sister who worked in Criminal Justice for a long time. Also, my husband, daughter, and son-in-law work in this field. I have dear friends who are First Responders. These people deserve so much respect and love. These are some Suicide Awareness Prevention for First Responders Resources. You can go to Police1 for more information.
By Police1 Staff
Public safety is a challenging profession that can lead to mental health struggles – and those struggles cannot be left untreated. More police officers died by suicide than in the line of duty in 2018, as was the case the previous year and the year before. A study commissioned by the Ruderman Family Foundation found that firefighters are also more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. The following is a list of suicide prevention resources for first responders. Whether you’re on the front line and need immediate help or in a leadership position looking to offer better prevention programs and help for your staff, this list should point you in the right direction.
PROGRAMS
The following programs will directly help you or help connect you to the resources you or a loved one needs. The majority of these are explicitly tailored to first responders. Also, remember that many of these websites list additional resources to those listed in this article.
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline
The lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support for those in distress or who need help for their loved ones.
CONTACT: Call 800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Crisis Text Line
A text will connect you with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.
CONTACT: https://www.crisistextline.org/ or text BADGE to 741741
1st Help
1st Help matches first responders with appropriate services based on a brief questionnaire, which determines what specific assistance you need (emotional, financial, religious, etc.).
CONTACT: http://www.1sthelp.net/
Safe Call Now
Safe Call Now is a 24-hour crisis referral service for those in public safety and their family members.
CONTACT: https://www.safecallnow.org/ or call 206-459-3020
First Responder Support Network
FRSN provides educational treatment programs for first responders and their families.
CONTACT: http://www.frsn.org/ or Call 415-721-9789
Serve & Protect
Serve & Protect helps connect public safety professionals with trauma services.
CONTACT: https://serveprotect.org/ or Call 615-373-8000 for the crisis line.
Cops Alive
Cops Alive provides resources and strategies to help cops live happy and successful lives.
CONTACT: http://www.copsalive.com/
CopLine
CopLine is a 24/7 service that will connect you to a peer support counselor.
CONTACT: http://www.copline.org/ or call 800-267-5463
Treatment Placement Specialists
This program offers treatment guidance based on the individual needs of officers.
CONTACT: Call 877-540-3935
VALOR
The Valor Officer Safety and Wellness program is a Bureau of Justice Assistance-funded initiative that provides many resources. Also, online training focused on improving officer health and resilience.
CONTACT: https://www.valorforblue.org/Home
ADVOCACY
The following organizations are working to raise mental health awareness and treatment options for police officers.
Blue H.E.L.P.
Blue H.E.L.P. is an organization that reduces mental health stigma in law enforcement. Also, raise awareness of the problem of suicide in LE.
CONTACT: https://bluehelp.org/
First Responders First
Here is a blog that gives information on mental health and treatment for First Responders. Please visit Saving the Lives that Save More Lives. They have written a blog post about First Responders and PTSD. Thank you to Mariah Jorgen for bringing this website to my attention.
Crisis Support Disclaimer:
This post is shared for awareness, education, encouragement, and stigma reduction. It is not therapy, clinical advice, crisis care, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this blog does not create a therapist-client relationship with Barefoot Faith Journey or Circle of Hope Counseling Services, LLC.
If you are in crisis, thinking about suicide, at risk of hurting yourself, or in immediate danger, call 911, call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room. You are worthy of immediate care and support.
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