By Robert Harding
The Citizen
NEW PALTZ, N.Y. — A survey of more than 6,000 first responders in New York found most experience stress, while others have dealt with anxiety and burnout due to their professions.
The findings are part of the state’s first responder mental health needs assessment. SUNY New Paltz’s Benjamin Center and Institute for Disaster Mental Health conducted the anonymous survey of 911 dispatchers, emergency managers, EMTs, firefighters and law enforcement officers. The participants included individuals from every region of the state.
More than two-thirds of first responders (68%) said they have experienced stress, while 53% reported they have experienced symptoms of depression. Burnout (59%) and anxiety (52%) were among the other mental health challenges identified by the respondents, with 38% saying they’ve had symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
A vast majority of first responders — over 90% — agreed that mental health services, such as support groups and therapy, would improve mental health if they were accessible and free. But 80% said that the stigma associated with mental health is an obstacle to seeking assistance. More than three-quarters (78%) added that not recognizing the need for help is a problem.
Respondents reported another hurdle — mental health providers who understand the needs of first responders. Most expressed concerns about confidentiality.
“This assessment documents not only the tremendous toll that the work takes on first responders, but also the significant barriers they encounter in getting the help they need,” said Amy Nitza, executive director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health at SUNY New Paltz.
First Responder MHNA Final Report by Lexipol_Media_Group on Scribd
“IDMH is committed to collaborating with our partners throughout New York state, including responders themselves, to remove those barriers and ensure that all our first responders have access to the support and care that enables them to continue serving their communities so well.”
The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services commissioned the survey. The agency, along with SUNY New Paltz, will present its findings at the New York State Emergency Management Association’s annual conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Syracuse.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement that the assessment can help address the mental health crisis among firefighters, police officers and others who work in emergency services fields.
“Our first responders go above and beyond the call of duty to protect our communities — their wellbeing is a reflection of our collective strength, and we must do everything we can to support them,” Hochul said.
The State of the State includes a proposal to establish a first responder counseling scholarship program in the SUNY system. The initiative would address the shortage of mental health professionals with knowledge of the challenges faced by first responders. It would encourage first responders to pursue counseling degrees and offer micro-credentials in certain areas, such as peer support leadership and trauma-informed care. Recipients of the scholarship would commit to working as counselors in New York.
Other proposals target potential sources of mental health challenges among first responders, namely staffing. With so many professions experiencing staffing shortages, Hochul wants to boost recruitment. Her plans include allowing non-New York residents to apply for correction officer positions, raising the state police retirement age to 63 and removing the maximum age limit for law enforcement recruits.
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is working with the state Office of Mental Health to develop a training program for mental health professionals that focuses on first responder cultural competency.
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