First Responders Symposium of Philadelphia

Temple University

September 13 2024

Join First Responders across the greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey counties for a free one-day conference focused on suicide prevention and mental health.

The Conference

One Day of Powerful Talks

September 13 2024

9:00 am

The First Responder's Symposium of Philadelphia is a One-Day event at Temple University to raise awareness and provide informational resources on suicide prevention & the challenges surrounding mental health as a First-line Responder.

Members of law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS providers, communication dispatchers, active military personnel, and veterans in Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey are invited to attend this event. Attendance at the Symposium will be free with lunch & parking provided.

Why Attend?

Acclaimed mental health professionals, law enforcement leaders & professionals, and powerful speakers are uniting to share their stories and provide the resources to ignite change.

Gain the skills to support your peers and family members who may be experiencing mental health challenges, even if you're not directly affected.

Speakers

Guest Speakers

Proud to bring inspirational speakers from a wide range of backgrounds. Click here to see our full slate of speakers and here for the event schedule.

Professor at the University of Buffalo

Dr. John Violanti

John Violanti is an internationally known expert on police stress. He is a researcher and a police veteran who served as a New York State Police trooper for 23 years.

The Trauma Survivors Foundation

Dennis Carradin

Dennis is a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health, a Nationally Certified Counselor, a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress, and a Diplomate for the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.

Partners

Suicide prevention & mental health efforts have scaled beyond their respective communities. Click on each image to learn more about the different organizations playing a part in solving the most pressing issues, along with the partners assisting us in this effort.

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Resources

Click here to access a comprehensive list of tailored services and support options designed to address the unique challenges faced by First Responders.

NAMI Philadelphia

NAMI Philadelphia is an organization of families, friends and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for and provides resources for those individuals who have a mental illness.

988 Suicide Prevention and Hotline

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Acadia Health Care

Acadia Healthcare’s mission is to deliver compassionate care that enhances lives, fosters hope, and strengthens communities. The organization is committed to setting the highest standards in behavioral health and addiction treatment services.

About FRSPhiladelphia

The Symposium was made possible through the generous contributions of Stephen and Arlene Cohen, dedicated to combating the shame and stigma surrounding mental health issues faced by first responders. The founding board members include Darrell O'Connor, a former special agent and criminal investigator for the U.S. government, and Dr. Melissa Rice, a Mental Health Speaker and Professor at Immaculata University. Promotion and web design were handled by Brian Paul, a creative producer based in Philadelphia. Special thanks to Dana Jackson, Philadelphia Fire Department’s Professional Standards Officer & Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, for her invaluable support and dedication to the cause.

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Other Mental Health Events

Keep an eye out for the 10th Annual Project Blue Light Memorial Bike Ride and Mental Health & Wellness affair sponsored by the Philadelphia Police Department on September 14th!