Village's Police Department Receives $80K Grant from NYS Office of Mental Health CARES UP Program

Mamaroneck, NY (May 27, 2022) — The Village of Mamaroneck Police Department is the recipient of an $80,000 grant from the New York State Office of Mental Health CARES UP Program. The grant, payable over a two-year period, funds to develop mental health resources and programming, along with technical assistance, for police officers and their families.

As part of his 2020 State of the State address, former Governor Andrew Cuomo directed the New York State Office of Mental Health to increase efforts to combat suicide within within Veterans, Military, Law enforcement, Fire Fighters, EMS and Corrections Officers and to “convene a panel of stakeholders and experts … to develop and implement strategies for preventing suicide among these special populations.”

Sandra DiRuzza, Chief of the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department, said, “We are grateful to be receiving this funding, which will enable the department to further implement officer safety and wellness initiatives. We recognize the importance of providing support to officers and their families to survive the mental and physical demands of this profession.”

This is the first time this program has been rolled out and the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department is just one of three law enforcement agencies in New York State to receive this grant.

CARES UP helps uniformed personnel, including police and other law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical service members, corrections officers, and military veterans learn to manage stress in healthy ways and seek help when they need it. CARES UP knows there are cultural and organizational barriers that prevent help seeking. CARES UP also knows uniformed personnel have key strengths that keep them safe. The program builds on this resiliency, bravery, teamwork, and connection. For more information, visit preventsuicideny.org/cares-up.

The Village of Mamaroneck Police Department, strive to promote an enhanced quality of life for all who live and work in the Village in which we serve. With dedication to professionalism and integrity in our duties, we pledge to maintain a safe and friendly community. To learn more, visit www.vompd.com.

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