Law enforcement officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is seeking to change this disturbing trend by delivering mental health and wellness training and assistance to first responders through its Public Safety Wellness Program.
Through this program, which was launched in 2023, TEEX has developed training, customized technical assistance and a counseling center to support public safety professionals throughout Texas. The services are provided at no cost through a federal grant awarded to TEEX by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Support That Saves Training
Support That Saves is a TEEX course helping public safety agencies build peer support programs. Experts offer tailored guidance, training, and tools, with national expansion supported by DHS/FEMA funding.
Counseling Program
TEEX’s SAMHSA-funded wellness program offers trauma-informed counseling for first responders, trains clinicians, supports disaster response, and shows significant PTSD symptom reduction through evidence-based care and graduate internships.
NEWS
TEEX Highlights Public Safety Wellness During PTSD Awareness Month
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Launches Mental Health Program for Texas First Responders
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Establishes Mental Health Awareness Training for Employees and First Responders
Resources
- Download Program Flyer
- PTSD Checklist
- Mental Health Support Reference