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NYPD, NY Presbyterian Hospital 'Finest Care' partnership aims to combat police suicides

The NYPD and the New York Presbyterian Hospital are teaming up to combat suicide among officers.

News 12 Staff

Oct 24, 2019, 9:03 PM

Updated 1,884 days ago

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The NYPD and the New York Presbyterian Hospital are teaming up to combat suicide among officers.
The announcement comes after a culmination of months and teamwork. Back in June, a task force was created within the department to address the crisis.
The NYPD has lost 10 officers this year due to suicide. NYPD officials say 1,200 officers sought mental health help in 2018 from NYPD's Medical Division.
The NYPD says it's working to dispel myths within the department about what happens when officers do get help.
Finest Care is a program that offers 24/7 access to free and confidential mental health services. The program stresses the importance in letting officers know that if they call in need of help, the NYPD will not be alerted.
Officers can call at any time, and trained coordinators will pick up and connect based on the need of the officer. Officers will also have access to a psychologist or psychiatrist with an in-person private meeting.
Both the NYPD and New York Presbyterian Hospital officials say that society is changing. They say the stigma we've been used to surrounding mental health needs to change, because it's life or death.
Officials at New York Presbyterian Hospital say it is an honor to serve the NYPD in this way since they protect the people of New York every single day.
The program will begin on Monday. Officers can call the 24/7 number at (646) 697-2020.