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News Break: Northwell Direct's Finest Care promotes mental health awareness for NYPD officers · 20-Minute Health Talk

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  In recognition of Suicide Awareness Month in September,
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  Northwell Direct,in collaboration with the New York Police Department and the Finest Care program,
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  hosted a comprehensive wellness fair at One Police Plaza on September 26.
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  This article,titled "Northwell Direct,NYPD promote mental health awareness for officers,
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  " was written by Miriam Sholder and appeared in the Northwell Newsroom on September 30,
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  2024.
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  Approximately 400 NYPD officers attended the wellness fair and were offered a variety of resources designed to promote well-being,
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  including informative sessions on mental health,speakers sharing their personal stories on how suicide has impacted them and dozens of informational tables.
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  The event coincided with National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day and promoted the NYPD’s ongoing commitment to mental and physical health for its officers.
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  “We recognize that law enforcement officers face unique challenges,
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  and supporting their mental health is vital to both their safety and the safety of the communities they serve,
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  ” said Manish Sapra,MD,executive director of the behavioral health service line at Northwell Health.
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  “Together, with the NYPD and the Finest Care Program, we are committed to making a positive impact.
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  ” The Finest Care program connects members of service with free,
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  confidential counseling and other mental health services.
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  Finest Care enables officers to call a confidential Northwell Health behavioral health access and navigation center to be assessed and linked to Northwell’s expansive network of psychologists and psychiatrists through the Northwell Direct provider network.
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  “The Finest Care Program has had a profoundly positive impact on the well-being of NYPD officers,
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  providing them with the vital support they need to manage the unique challenges of their profession,
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  ” said Nick Stefanizzi,CEO of Northwell Direct.
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  “By offering confidential access to mental health services and tailored care,
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  the program has helped countless officers build resilience,
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  reduce stress,and maintain their physical and emotional health.
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  ” Since Finest Care’s inception in 2022,230 officers have been treated,
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  400 calls have been facilitated and more than 1,000 appointments with culturally competent psychologists and psychiatrists have been made.
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  “Suicide Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder to our officers that they are not alone in facing the pressures of their demanding work,
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  said Lokesh Reddy,MD,NYPD deputy chief surgeon.
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  “It opens critical conversations about mental health and underscores the importance of seeking help when needed.
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  By raising awareness and providing resources during this month,
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  we aim to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles and encourage officers to prioritize their own well-being,
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  knowing that support is always available.
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  ” The wellness fair and suicide prevention efforts come at a critical time in the nation’s fight against rising suicide rates.
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  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
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  the US witnessed more than 49,300 suicide deaths in 2023,
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  one of the highest levels on record.
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  The CDC data revealed that suicide was the 11th leading cause of death across all age groups in 2021 and 2022,
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  with young people aged 10-34 particularly vulnerable.