Mental health support offered for Valley first responders [Video]

As 21 WFMJ continues to look into how mental illness impacts our communities, the mental health of our first responders is a major concern as they witness trauma daily.

That’s why Mahoning Valley agencies have had programs in place since 2016 to help them work through the scenes they face, allowing them to ‘Take the Moment,’ while working to end the stigma over mental health in our first responders.

“The #1 person who’s going to take care of you is you,” said Lieutenant Tom Collins with Austintown Police Department. “You need to look deep and say, ‘Listen, this is not right what I’m experiencing and feeling. I am a strong advocate for seeking mental health care.”

“We want to make sure the first responders are …