As May's Mental Health Awareness Month approaches, Lynn University is collaborating with The Quell Foundation to help normalize the conversation around mental health in the first responder community. On May 20, the organizations will host a documentary screening of First Responders Sound the Alarm, and a discussion for first responders, as well as a workshop for clinical mental health counselors.
"We see this interactive and holistic event as an excellent start to conversations on working with first responders in our community," said Dr. Debra L. Ainbinder, associate dean and professor of counseling in the clinical mental health counseling program.
Creating awareness
With first responders typically first on the scene, they often face dangerous and emotional situations, creating difficult mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress disorder and more.
"We know there are many first responders dealing with mental health issues," said Dr. Jon Sperry, associate professor and counseling core faculty at Lynn. "And we want to help counselors and other mental health professionals understand how they can provide effective and culturally responsive services to emergency personnel who have been on the frontlines."
Unfortunately, many public servants do not seek help for fear of confidentiality breaches or negative career outcomes. Or they simply cannot find adequate help for their unique mental health needs—making stigma awareness and properly trained professionals essential.
"With this documentary and the First Responders Special Edition exhibit, we introduce to the conversation the deleterious results of unaddressed compounding trauma within this population of public service professionals," said Lynn alumnus Kevin M. Lynch '11, founder of The Quell Foundation. "Our organization's goal is to normalize a new culture for mental wellness in the first responder community by building resilient mindsets at work, home and into retirement through trusted and proven educational resources."
Breaking barriers
The first of its kind, the May 20 event starts with breakfast and a viewing of the "First Responders Special Edition" exhibit, which displays individual stories of first responders around the country who have died by suicide.
Participants will also watch a premier of the First Responders Sound the Alarm documentary. With vivid storytelling, the film gives insight into the lives of first responders and is meant to inspire individuals in distress to seek help for the challenges they encounter.
At a panel discussion, attendees will hear from former Warwick, Rhode Island Police Captain Joe Coffey; former member of the Oklahoma City Fire Department Chris Fields; Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Dr. Ali Cunningham; former Undercover Narcotics Agent Doug Monda; and retired SWAT team leader with the Orlando Police Department Raul Rivas.
The event concludes with a workshop for mental health practitioners featuring Joy Hutchinson, a licensed professional counselor, national certified counselor, certified trauma professional and a 10-year past first responder. Her research has focused on first responders' experiences and the barriers and stigma associated with counseling.
"Mental health practitioners will be exposed to evidence-based practices on working with individuals who face crises and trauma as a part of their everyday lives," said Ainbinder. "It will provide participants with an understanding of the culture and perspectives within the first responder community."
Educational focus
At the event, Lynn faculty members will announce the planning of a new concentration option to the M.S. in clinical mental health counseling program. The additional curriculum offering will allow future students to take courses in crisis, trauma and resilience counseling—an essential skill set for clinicians treating the first responder community.
The curriculum addition is made possible by a personal and generous donation from Lynch and his wife Karen. Through the years, the Lynchs have consistently supported Lynn's initiative to examine and raise awareness of mental health both in and out of the classroom.
"It's imperative that we are responsible for not only de-stigmatizing mental health but also ensuring we have trained professionals prepared to work with this unique population," said Lynch. "Karen and I are thrilled to support this next generation of mental health professionals."
In 2021, Lynch revealed The Quell Foundation’s Lift the Mask event at Lynn—a documentary and discussion regarding mental illness. The same year, Lynch created a scholarship for students interested in mental health counseling.
"Kevin's partnership, friendship and support for Lynn has been instrumental in ensuring the success of the next generation of clinicians," said Barbara Cambia, executive director of Career and Alumni Connections. "We're happy we can collaborate with him again on this new initiative."
