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Nonprofit provides free mental health training to support Tri-State first responders


Nonprofit provides free mental health training to support Tri-State first responders (Mental Health America)
Nonprofit provides free mental health training to support Tri-State first responders (Mental Health America)
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CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. It’s a devastating fact that hits close to home for Clay James, a captain with the Owen County Volunteer Fire Department.


“I’ve had six first responder friends and coworkers that I have known over the years that have taken their lives from suicide,” said James. “All of these people were people that were incredibly strong. They were mentors. They were exceptional folks in the industry. The first couple losses just kind of felt like a gut punch, cause these were people that I looked up to, and the fact that they lost all sense of hope, and the circumstances that drove them to commit suicide, it was just so hard to believe.”

James retired from the Newport Fire Department in 2012 after 15 years of service. He says during that time in his career, he hadn't known any responders that took their lives, though he knew some people that struggled with depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

“I feel that acceptance and talking about those diagnoses and those challenges was still relatively new, and those people were reluctant to talk about the fact that the job was affecting them in ways that persisted well beyond the fire station," he said.

While James feels there is better communication in the first responder community these days, he believes more can be done. After seeing so many losses in recent years, he feels it is an epidemic. It’s the reason he has become so passionate about mental health first aid.

James is working with Keith Kline of Mental Health America. It’s a national organization, with a branch in the Tri- State covering Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio.

“As we’ve gone through COVID, and coming out of COVID, as well, we’ve seen the spike in mental health issues and suicide ideation across all populations, but it’s really hit our first responders -- our firefighters, our police officers, our emergency medical folks -- more dramatically than the general population,” Kline said.

Since 2019, the local collaborative has trained more than 11,000 people to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

“It gives all of us an opportunity to know how to start a conversation, how to be a good listener, how to move that person from the conversation that you had with them to the appropriate professional help,” Kline said. “When someone who is close to someone who is struggling with a mental health challenge is starting to have struggles in that area, we know that if someone close to them can have a conversation, help walk them through, suggest they get help, that can make all the difference in the world, and in fact, we know it saves lives.”

Mental Health America is on a mission to reach first responders across the country, and people who support them, like family, friends, and neighbors. That's why the organization is offering free training courses to teach mental health first aid.

Kline says recovery is always possible, and early intervention is critical.

“I just think if we can get to a point where we never lose a first responder again, then that’s a win,” said James.

The nonprofit’s vision is to make mental health first aid training as common as CPR training.

There are two upcoming courses specifically designed for first responders and their supporters:

  • Owen County Volunteer Fire Department -- two day training (Nov. 28 and Dec. 1 from 6-10 p.m.) Registration ends Nov. 14.
  • Kenton County Library -- (Dec. 13 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) Registration ends Dec. 1.

Participants must be 18 or older. It is free to participate.

Click here to register for either course

Kline says there are also opportunities for other organizations to host mental health first aid courses.

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