Peer support decreases suicide among first responders

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Firefighters and law enforcement officers are more likely to die by suicide than from a line-of-duty death, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

That’s why the Hamilton County Fire Chief’s Association created The Tri-State Peer Support Team. The peer group, which started Wednesday, helps identify and address mental health concerns among first responders.

According to the American Addiction Centers, first responders often have “higher rates of mental illness, including substance abuse, addiction, and suicide,” when compared to other adults.