The state has released new online training for mental-health professionals who work with first responders such as 911 dispatchers, law enforcement, emergency medical technicians and firefighters.

The First Responder Mental Health and Cultural Awareness Training features content on first-responder culture, mental-health challenges, and barriers that may prevent first responders from seeking mental health treatment.

The training includes insights from the New York State First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment, which included a survey completed by more than 6,000 first responders in New York State.

The assessment found that more than half of individuals working in public-safety fields experience high levels of stress, burnout, and mental-health challenges. It also found that there is currently a lack of first responder culturally competent mental health professionals available to treat first responders

The one-hour training includes scenarios and interactive exercises to test the learner’s knowledge. Mental health professionals that successfully complete the training can receive continuing education credit.

A total of five modules covers the following topics: understanding the work of first responders; first-responder culture; stressors and barriers to seeking care; understanding health disparities; and strategies to engage first responders.

“Our first responders are witnesses to life’s cruelest events, and it is vital that they receive the support they need to take care of themselves the way that they take care of others,” said Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Terry O’Leary in a release, announcing the training.  “This new training will provide mental health professionals with the insight they need to work with first responders and expand treatment options for first responders looking for help.”

The Office of Mental Health also runs a program called CARES UP, which provides $3 million annually to uniformed personnel agencies and veterans’ organizations to increase suicide prevention efforts and wellness programming. So far, this initiative has provided funding to 53 first responder agencies and 11 veteran-serving organizations.

Any New Yorker experiencing or who knows someone experiencing a behavioral health issue may contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which connects them to trained crisis counselors 24/7 to help those thinking about suicide, struggling with substance use, a menta- health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

New York 988 call centers received more than 41,000 calls in February alone, making it the second-most active service nationally.