By Amanda Galloza Faublas
Staten Island Advance
NEW YORK — Friends of Firefighters (FOF), a not-for-profit organization, has recently launched “The Bravest Children” program to address the mental health needs of FDNY families.
Established in the wake of 9/11, “The Bravest Children” program was designed to deliver care to the FDNY community and provide mental health care to the children of New York’s Bravest.
Friends of Firefighters is the leading independent provider of free and confidential mental health counseling and wellness services for active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families.
In recent years, FOF has experienced a rise in demand for mental health services, with nearly a 50% increase in clients and a 300% rise in counseling sessions over the last five years.
As the suicide rates among firefighters remain nearly double that of the general population and the likelihood of dying by suicide greater than the line of duty, FOF is dedicated to dismantling the stigmas surrounding mental health care in the firefighting community.
“The Bravest Children” program is a new initiative aimed at supporting the youngest members of the FDNY family by providing group sessions for children aged 6-11 at FOF’s historic firehouse in Red Hook, Brooklyn. These sessions create a safe space for children to express their feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms alongside peers who share similar experiences.
As needs dictate, the program will expand to include other age ranges and family participation.
“With the demand for our mental health services at an all-time high—underscored by a record 4,500 counseling sessions last year — ‘The Bravest Children’ offers a vital lifeline to the youngest members of our firefighting community — helping to ensure the children of those who serve and protect our city receive the care and attention they deserve,” said Nancy Carbone, Executive Director of Friends of Firefighters. “We are profoundly grateful to council members and leaders, whose advocacy has made this essential program possible.”
The launch of this program was made possible by $70,000 in discretionary funding from local elected officials, including New York City Council Members and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. Of this, Fossella, a long-time supporter of FOF, contributed $10,000.
“The Bravest Children” program marks a significant milestone in FOF’s mission to deliver comprehensive care to the FDNY community.
For more information on Friends of Firefighters, check out their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
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