Resources
Mental Health Resources
It is important for you to know that you do not need to suffer in silence, or alone. You will always have a support system. If you feel overwhelmed, think you may hurt yourself, or have ideations or a plan for suicide, please reach out. Help and support is only a phone call away.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
- Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255, press “1”
- 24-Hour Crisis Line: 866-427-4747
National Police Suicide Foundation
Washington D.C. holds a wall of heroes to honor our fallen officers, yet thousands of names will never be placed on the wall, because these officers died by their own hand. These officers have placed their lives in front of others, and have earned the right to be remembered and honored. “It is for these officers and their families, that The National Police Suicide Foundation was formed.”
The National Police Suicide Foundation was founded by Dr. Robert E. Douglas, Jr., a retired agent from the Baltimore Police Department, and leading expert in the subject of suicide among law enforcement. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit was founded in 1997 in response to the exponential number of suicides among the law enforcement profession, expanding to include emergency responders. The National Police Foundation’s mission is to provide training programs on suicide awareness and prevention to establish a standard of care, promoting overall health and wellness for law enforcement, the military, and emergency responders; resources include: educational seminars, peer support strategies, policy and protocol suggestions, and a vast network of communications and resources to survivors and agencies.
Serve & Protect
Serve & Protect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which provides a national 24/7 crisis line and emotional wellness services and resources to First Responders (Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue/EMS, Dispatch, and Corrections professionals) and their families. Resources include the 24-hour crisis line, chaplain, and trauma therapists. Serve & Protect was founded by former MP and Norfolk Police Detective, Robert Michaels, who also serves as Tennessee Fraternal Order of Police State Chaplain.
Serve & Protect aims to help First Responders regain balance and manage the stresses associated with their profession, with the belief that both physical and mental health are integral for those who sacrifice for others—taking the time to serve those who serve us. “Even heroes want to be safe, to be respected, and to be appreciated,” where Serve & Protect gives each client individual attention, with confidentiality.
CopsAlive
CopsAlive is a premier resource for law enforcement officers in balancing their lives, by helping them develop a plan for a happy, healthy, and successful life, both in career and family. CopsAlive was founded by John Marx, CCP, a law enforcement officer of 23-years, 19 of which he served as a hostage negotiator. The mission of CopsAlive is to “Save the Lives of the People Who Save Lives,” offering information and strategies to help law enforcement officers to successfully navigate and survive their careers.
CopsAlive believes in preparing law enforcement officers and their agencies for the risks associated with their profession: physical injury, and the decrease in quality of life (stress, and the consequent coping mechanisms, leading to decrease in both physical and mental health). While law enforcement agencies devote resources to train officers to survive armed or hand to hand combat, they do not devote resources to preparing officers to defend themselves against the stresses associated with their profession. CopsAlive believes the best strategy for officers to plan for a healthy, balanced life is to “create a tactical plan for their own life and career. Together, we believe in healthy, professional, compassionate, and safe emergency responders.”