PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — #Politicians and #publicsafety officials came together Friday to urge more federal funding for #mentalhealth and #suicideprevention programs for #policeofficers.
#Suicide was the leading cause of death among law enforcement in 2018. The nonprofit Blue H.E.L.P. said there were 167 confirmed officer #suicides nationwide.
At a news conference at the Providence Public Safety Complex, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said he is advocating for #mentalhealth care services to protect those who protect us.
The Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis, or STOIC, Act would allocate $7.5 million over five years for supporting and treating officers in crisis. The grants’ recipients would use funds to establish #suicideprevention programs and #mentalhealthservices for law enforcement #officers.
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Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, 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 #suicidalthoughts 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
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“We go out there and were asked to do the most dangerous and complicated job in this country. This phenomenon, it just builds up over time. And #policeofficers — they take this home to their families. It affects them. It affects their families. It affects their job performance,” said Col. Hugh Clements, chief of Providence #police.
The STOIC bill was approved by the House Judiciary Committee last week and is awaiting a vote in the House. The Senate already passed it.
Dignitaries at the news conference agreed it was another step toward fighting the #stigma surrounding #mentalhealth.
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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
