Police officers, firefighters and paramedics face higher rates of depression and PTSD than the general population. Theyโre more likely to die by suicide than they are to die in the line of duty, according to a white paper commissioned by the Ruderman Family Foundation.
Thatโs why Boardman Township is creating a wellness center that will address the mental health needs of first responders across three counties in northeast Ohio. It will offer space for counseling, a gym and training areas for 152 responding agencies in the area.
Boardman Township police chief Todd Werth said heโs proud to see the Mahoning Valley area work to protect its public safety workers. โThe healthier our first responders are, the less sick days, the less distractions, the less trauma, first responders [can better] focus on their jobs โฆ keeping the community safe,โ Werth said.
