The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is expanding its efforts to confront the disproportionately high rates of suicide among military veterans and uniformed personnel, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS workers, corrections officers, and 911 dispatchers.
The agency is hosting the second day of a statewide conference in Troy, focused on mental health, resilience, and suicide prevention within these professions. The event — part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s broader mental health initiative — brings together nearly 320 participants from 172 agencies across the state.
“Understanding the tremendous importance of the mental health of our uniformed personnel and veterans and realizing the impact of the stress and cumulative trauma they may experience, we must effectively support them as they serve our communities and keep us safe,” said OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan. “This conference will provide invaluable insight into ways to promote mental wellness, build resilience, and address the disproportionately high rates of suicide among these professionals.”
Hosted by the Suicide Prevention Center of New York, the conference features nearly two dozen speakers — including mental health professionals, veterans, and first responder leaders — and offers workshops and training sessions on managing stress and trauma.
Recent data underscores the urgency of these efforts. A New York State First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment, released earlier this year, found that 53% of respondents reported symptoms of depression, 38% reported symptoms of PTSD, and 16% had thoughts of suicide. Nationally, studies have shown that first responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
Similarly, veterans in New York face a suicide rate nearly twice that of civilians, with veterans under 55 experiencing the highest risk.
To address these challenges, OMH continues to advance its CARES UP initiative, which provides $3 million annually to support suicide prevention and wellness programs for uniformed personnel and veteran organizations. Since its launch, the initiative has funded 36 first responder agencies and eight veteran-serving groups through partnerships like Onward Ops.
OMH plans to issue a new request for applications later this fall. Eligible agencies can receive $60,000 over two years for new programs or $40,000 to continue existing efforts.
The agency says CARES UP is designed to reduce stigma, encourage open dialogue about mental health, and integrate suicide prevention into broader wellness initiatives, helping those who protect others receive the support they need.
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