The recent death by suicide of an Illinois State Police officer is a reminder that mental health awareness continues to be a concern among first responders.
A study by the Ruderman Family Foundation noted that first responders are about five times more likely than others to experience depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
“First responders face constant and cumulative stress that can be too difficult to process at times,” said Rosecrance Florian Program Director Dan DeGryse. “That is why it is so important that first responders check in with each other and reach out for help if they need it. If we do that, we will be able to connect with and save even more lives each year by giving colleagues the tools they need to process what they go through.”
Rosecrance’s Florian Program for Uniformed Service Personnel provides residential and outpatient services dedicated to the wellbeing of first responders. The program is led by caring staff with close connections to firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers, and the military. To learn more about the Florian Program, please call 888.928.5278.