First H.E.L.P

NEW study examining suicide rates among sworn law enforcement officers from 2016 to 2022, disaggregated by year, sex, and geographic region and division. Links to article at end. We previously published a report that examined descriptive statistics associated with these data (https://lnkd.in/eVV47JPt). This new article examines rates, which are more insightful because it allows for meaningful comparisons across different contexts. Using data from First H.E.L.P., the following examines 977 suicides of law enforcement personnel that occurred between 2016 and 2022, specifically by calculating rates of suicides by year, sex, and geographic regions and divisions. While going through these rates, keep in mind that the national suicide rate for the general population of 10 years and older is 14.0 in 2021. (Although that’s not a great comparison, considering officers are typically 21 and older.) Our analysis estimates a police suicide rate ranging between 19.0 and 27.5, with an average rate of approximately 21.4 over the seven years studied. The average number of suicides per year during this period was 151.3, with a low of 128 in 2017 and a high of 196 in 2019. Between 2016 and 2022, male personnel had higher suicide rates (20.4–28.5, avg. 22.7) than females, who averaged 12.7—roughly half. Despite males outnumbering females roughly by 7:1 among sworn staff, the disparity in suicide rates highlights significant gender differences in outcomes. By region, the South had the highest number of deaths by suicide but also has the largest population of law enforcement officers, resulting in the lowest average suicide rate, at 19.4. The West region had a similar rate, while both the Northeast and Midwest were more elevated. The Mountain division in the West region and the New England division in the Northeast had the highest rates, at 29.3 and 34.6 deaths per 100,000, respectively. We go into detail on some of the reason we’re observing these geographical differences. Each law enforcement officer suicide is a deeply personal tragedy, shaped by a complex mix of personal, professional, and psychological factors. From the stress of high-stakes decisions and trauma exposure to personal struggles, the unique interplay of these elements defies simple explanation. But we hope this study offers more accurate insights into a difficult-to-study issue. First H.E.L.P. is really leading the field in collecting reliable data on deaths by suicides among first responders. The article goes into much more detail. Special shoutout the other authors on this, Jessica Dockstader, CWP and Kathleen Padilla. Below is the link to the version of record. I’ll link to the preprint when available. Version of record: https://lnkd.in/ePergA4N

"There’s a cultural aspect: the expectation to maintain a ‘tough’ exterior can deter first responders from seeking help, fostering an environment where mental health issues are underreported. This stigma, combined with a lack of adequate mental health resources, makes it even more challenging for those in need to seek and receive support."

We are a family that no one ever plans on joining, but here, you are never alone. https://lnkd.in/gShbck8e

Tonight, we honor the life and service of Clifford Brian Lash who died by suicide on October 27, 2023, after 20 years of service. On 10/27/2023 our world changed – The silence was louder than the traffic in NYC. Cliff served as a Police Officer for the NYPD for 20 + years. Cliff loved his job and he loved his Blue Family; in fact, he loved it his entire tour of 20+ years at the 114 Precinct in Astoria, Queens. This is where he made friends, he was a mentor to some, and he trained many others, as well as taking on the responsibility of running and building up the gym in his free time. He wanted the men and women to have a great place to work out, train, and stay fit. The gym was his passion. Cliff enjoyed helping others learn to train correctly. He knew what was best; and if it was a rough day, it was a good day to work out. The 114 Pct named the gym after Cliff Lash in his honor. Cliff was a father, a brother, an uncle, a Godfather, and a true friend to those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He is missed beyond measure – when he left this earth, he took a piece of us with him but we know that there is now an angel that looks out for us from above. Cliff is alive in our hearts and we are thankful for every memory. We love you, Cliff. Thank you, Officer Lash, for your dedicated service. Special thanks to his family for sharing him with us. #HonorThem #BlueHELP #WatchYour12 #FirstHELP To read Cliff's full memorial page, please visit https://lnkd.in/gJrG5egR

Thank you to the families who continue to share their stories and advocate for legislative change! "The training being advocated for is not only talk, but it includes proactive care instead of reactive. It would include stress management, emotional regulation, crisis response, team cohesion, adaptability, mental health and community relations. The training would be implemented consistently, not only on a one-time basis."

We want to give a HUGE shout-out to these First Responders Academy students over at Upper Valley Career Center for choosing to feature First H.E.L.P. in their class project! When asked why they chose First H.E.L.P., they said that first responders' mental health is often overlooked, so they wanted to highlight the topic! "These heroes have sacrificed their lives for the lives of others and took on the mental and physical strain of the job to protect the people...We desire their safety and yearn for them to reach out and get the resources they need."

"For first responders, resilience means having the mental and emotional strength to face the day-to-day challenges of their profession while maintaining a healthy outlook. Building resilience isn’t about avoiding stress but learning to manage it effectively and recover in ways that preserve mental health."

Please join Westmoreland Emergency Medical Services/Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program for a special event dedicated to the well-being of our first responders. This event will feature informative screenings of the PTSD911 Documentary followed by discussions on mental health and wellness. Take advantage of the various resources available to support our heroes in their journey to healing. Don't miss this opportunity to show your support and learn more about this important cause! More Info: https://lnkd.in/gPk7GCxk

In the year 2024, we had 143 first-responder suicides reported to us. While this is a decrease from last year, 143 community heroes lost to suicide is far too many, and so we continue our mission to stop the stigma and end first responder suicide. If you know of a first responder who died by suicide (any year, any duty status) PLEASE REPORT! This data is so important for enacting change and preventing this from continuing. https://lnkd.in/gpx5C8aB

I am always on the hunt for great resources to share with you all in the first responder community. This podcast came across my timeline on LinkedIN a few weeks back and after listening to several episodes, I think you should too. It is called the First Responder Wellness hosted by Conrad Weaver. He has a variety of guests covering all kinds of topics that are pertinent to you. Please take some time to check it out. You will find valuable information on here. I believe you can find it on most major podcast platforms.