After rash of officer suicides, mayor announces NYPD mental health program
Following a sharp spike in police officer suicides, a new program will provide free and confidential mental health services to active duty NYPD officers, the Mayor’s Office announced this week.
The program, called Finest Care, will be administered by New York-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. Officers can call a 24/7 hotline and a coordinator at the hospital will arrange a free and anonymous appointment for the officer with a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Previously, the NYPD directed officers to the department’s own Medical Division for mental healthcare. An independent program would help officers come forward, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.