Created in the aftermath of four Suffolk Police officers taking their own lives earlier this year, the county has announced the release of two mental health awareness videos addressed to members of law enforcement and the civilian workforce. They are part of an effort to promote Mental Health Awareness Month by providing workers with available resources and addressing the stigmas associated with mental and behavioral health.
“Mental and behavioral health knows no boundaries and affects everybody regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, and profession,” said County Executive Edward Romaine. “In Suffolk County, we are fully committed to providing our employees with the resources not only to do their jobs effectively but to live a prosperous life. Through this initiative, we want to remove the stigmas and stereotypes associated with mental health.”
The videos feature speakers from the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association, Superior Officers Association, Detectives Association, Probation Officers Association, Deputy Sheriff’s Police Benevolent Association, and the Correction Officers Association. The video can be viewed at Suffolk Law Enforcement Mental Health Awareness | Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine
The video message addressed to Suffolk’s civilian workforce includes representation from the Suffolk County Association of Municipal Employees and members of the Office of the County Executive, Department of Public Works, Parks Department, and the Department of Social Services. The video can be found at Suffolk County AME Mental Health Awareness | Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine
The latest initiative is part of an ongoing effort to foster collaboration among the county’s union membership, which comprises approximately 10,000 employees and retirees.