The Boston Police Foundation, Boston Police Department and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention partnered together to launch the 1st Annual Police Officer Suicide Prevention Awareness Campaign on Monday, September 10th.
The campaign was launched at the start of National Suicide Prevention Week and the three organizations came together for a press conference at Boston City Plaza to elaborate on the campaign.
“National Suicide Prevention Week is an important opportunity to elevate the conversation about suicide prevention and mental health, and we encourage all officers to get involved.” said William G. Gross, Boston Police Commissioner
To support these efforts, all Boston Police Department personnel were provided with a package that includes the items you will find at the end of this post.
“We are honored to be partnering with the Boston Police Department and the Boston Police Foundation to support their suicide prevention efforts,” said Maggie Mortali, MPH, director of the Interactive Screening Program at AFSP. “Police officers are accustomed to servicing others, and this is an opportunity to help spread awareness and ensure that all officers stay healthy and strong.”
“The Boston Police Foundation is dedicated to officer safety and wellness, and suicide prevention is part of that,” said Nancy Reno, CPM, Vice Chair of the Boston Police Foundation. “We are honored to be partnering with the Boston Police Department and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to support the health and wellness of our officers.”
Mourning Bands – spread awareness and honor those who have died by suicide, lost someone to suicide, or those with lived experience by displaying this ½ inch mourning band on your badge during the month of September.
Lifesavers Manual Wallet Cards – Designed to fit easily in your wallet or pocket, this mini brochure contains information about the risk factors and warning signs for suicide as well as links and phone numbers to have on hand for emergencies.
Survivor Outreach Program Wallet Cards – The Survivor Outreach Program Wallet Card is a handy way to let people know they’re not alone in their loss, and that trained AFSP volunteers are there for them to offer comfort and resources whenever they’re ready. The card contains a brief description of the SOP program, with a link to the relevant section of AFSP’s website for more information.
Awareness Wristbands – Show your support for suicide prevention by wearing an awareness wristband with the message “#StopSuicide”
