James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of depression and suicidal thoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
From police officers to firefighters, studies show that suicide continues to outpace other causes of death for first responders
By PoliceOne Staff
Public safety is a difficult profession that can lead to mental health struggles – and those struggles cannot be left untreated. More police officers died by suicide than in the line of duty in 2018, as was the case the previous yearand the year prior to that. A study commissioned by the Ruderman Family Foundation found that firefighters are also more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. The following is a list of suicide prevention resources for first responders. Whether you’re on the front line and in need of immediate help, or in a leadership position looking to offer better prevention programs and help for your staff, this list should point you in the right direction.
PROGRAMS Public safety is a difficult profession that can lead to mental health struggles – and those struggles cannot be left untreated.
The following programs will directly help you or help connect you to the resources you or a loved one needs. The majority of these are tailored specifically to first responders. Also, keep in mind that many of these websites list additional resources to the ones listed in this article.
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline
The lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support for those in distress or in need of help for their loved ones.
CONTACT: Call 800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Crisis Text Line
A text will connect you with a trained crisis counselor, 24/7.
CONTACT: https://www.crisistextline.org/ or text BADGE to 741741
1st Help
1st Help matches first responders with appropriate services based on a brief questionnaire, which determines what specific assistance you need (emotional, financial, religious, etc.).
CONTACT: http://www.1sthelp.net/
Safe Call Now
Safe Call Now is a 24-hour crisis referral service for those in public safety and their family members.
CONTACT: https://www.safecallnow.org/ or call 206-459-3020
First Responder Support Network
FRSN provides educational treatment programs for first responders and their families.
CONTACT: http://www.frsn.org/ or call 415-721-9789
Serve & Protect
Serve & Protect helps connect public safety professionals with trauma services.
CONTACT: https://serveprotect.org/ or call 615-373-8000 for the crisis line.
Cops Alive
Cops Alive provides resources and strategies to help cops live happy and successful lives.
CONTACT: http://www.copsalive.com/
CopLine
CopLine is a 24/7 service that will connect you to a peer support counselor.
CONTACT: http://www.copline.org/ or call 800-267-5463
Treatment Placement Specialists
This program offers treatment guidance based on the individual needs of officers.
CONTACT: https://www.treatmentplacementspecialists.com/first-responders/ or call 877-540-3935
VALOR
The Valor Officer Safety and Wellness program is a Bureau of Justice Assistance funded initiative that provides a ton of resources and online training focused on improving officer health and resilience.
CONTACT: https://www.valorforblue.org/Home
- About the Author
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
