Governor Hochul Announces $2 Million Initiative to Support Mental Health and Suicide Prevention for Veterans and First Responders

Initiative aims at bolstering mental health and suicide prevention efforts for military veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel, corrections officers, and emergency dispatchers.

Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a $2 million funding initiative aimed at bolstering mental health and suicide prevention efforts for military veterans and first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel, corrections officers, and emergency dispatchers. This initiative, known as CARES UP, is administered by the New York Office of Mental Health’s Suicide Prevention Center of New York.

“Our service members and first responders encounter a tremendous amount of trauma and stress on the job, and that can take its toll on their mental wellbeing. Funding through the CARES UP initiative is helping organizations across the state ensure these individuals receive the help and support they rightfully deserve and need.”

Governor Kathy Hochul

The CARES UP program offers $30,000 annually over two years to each eligible discipline, supporting enhanced suicide prevention and wellness programming within agencies. The 2025 State Budget doubled the program’s funding, allowing expanded eligibility to emergency dispatchers.

Participating agencies collaborate with the Suicide Prevention Center to receive specialized training on resiliency, mental health, and peer support. These funds can be used to adopt mental health apps, host wellness training, or expand peer support resources tailored to the needs of their personnel.

Veterans’ organizations are also included, with funding supporting service members transitioning back to civilian life.

Statistics underscore the urgency of these efforts. Veterans in New York State die by suicide at nearly twice the rate of civilians, with veterans under 55 facing the highest risk. A study also found that first responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.

“Veterans account for more than 11 percent of suicides in New York State. They need more lifesaving interventions and peer support.”

Senator Samra G. Brouk

Since its launch, the CARES UP program has provided funding to a variety of organizations, including EMS squads, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, corrections departments, and veterans’ groups.

“Governor Hochul’s continued support for this program demonstrates her commitment to helping our veterans and first responders and their families,”

Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health Doctor Ann Sullivan