CARES UP funding aims to build resilience and wellness among New York’s frontline heroes

New York – In a significant move to bolster mental health support for New York’s veterans and uniformed personnel, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the distribution of 18 new grants aimed at expanding resilience and suicide prevention initiatives. These grants, administered through the New York Office of Mental Health’s Suicide Prevention Center of New York, form part of the CARES UP (Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Emergency Services) initiative.

This program will provide $60,000 over two years to a diverse group of recipients including law enforcement agencies, fire departments, EMS services, emergency communication organizations, corrections agencies, and organizations dedicated to veterans.

Highlighting the immense pressures these professionals face, Governor Hochul emphasized that the funding would help recipient organizations develop crucial resilience and mental wellness capacities.

“My top priority since taking office has always been to keep New Yorkers safe and that includes protecting them from unfair housing practices and discrimination, ”Governor Hochul said. “Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live without having to worry about any prejudices, and New York continues to combat discrimination across all areas.”

The CARES UP program awards $30,000 annually to participating organizations, enabling them to bolster suicide prevention efforts and implement wellness programming tailored to their specific needs. Training for these initiatives is provided by national subject matter experts on topics including resilience, mental health and wellness, suicide prevention, and peer support.

Additionally, the Office of Mental Health provided sustainability awards of $40,000 over two years to 11 organizations previously supported by CARES UP. This continued support was made possible after Governor Hochul successfully secured an increase in funding for the program to $3 million annually in the FY25 Enacted Budget.

The need for such initiatives is underscored by a recent first responder needs assessment survey conducted in collaboration with SUNY New Paltz’s Institute for Disaster Mental Health. Surveying over 6,000 individuals across various public safety fields throughout New York, the study revealed that more than half of the participants reported experiencing high levels of job-related stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, the fear of stigma often prevents these individuals from seeking the help they need. Alarmingly, the survey found that thoughts of suicide were reported by 16 percent of respondents, a rate significantly higher than the general population.

Veterans also face daunting challenges, with suicide rates nearly double those of civilians and highest among veterans under the age of 55—a trend that has remained relatively unchanged since 2012.

This year’s CARES UP grants have been awarded across several regions, including the Capital Region, Central New York, Mid-Hudson, Long Island, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, and Western New York. Recipients range from the Albany County Corrections and Albany City Police Department to the Sayville American Legion Post 651 and the City of Olean Fire Department, reflecting the broad scope of this critical initiative.

Governor Hochul’s announcement not only highlights the ongoing commitment to supporting those who serve and protect the public but also addresses an urgent public health issue by enhancing the mental health resources available to New York’s first responders and veterans.