By Police1 Staff
NEW YORK — Massachusetts Coalition of Police President Scott Hovsepian announced Friday that the police union would be providing a new tool to help officers in crisis.
The union, which represents close to 4,300 officers, will launch an anonymous online screening tool from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to police. According to a press release, the self-check quiz will help connect distressed officers to peer support officers and mental health services before a crisis emerges.
“If this can save one life, it is money, time, and energy well spent. You can’t put a price on a life,” Hovsepian said. “I want police officers nationwide to know that there are tools like the self-check quiz that can help them through the hard times.”
Following Hovespian’s announcement, officers underwent a four-hour training session regarding mental health, alcohol and drug abuse, and how to prevent suicide among their ranks.
“Police officers are accustomed to serving others, and this is a way for them to ensure they stay healthy and strong,” Dr. Christine Moutier, AFSP chief medical officer, said. “Seeking help for your mental health is the brave thing to do.”
According to the AFSP, 44,193 Americans die by suicide a year and it is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States.
