“We are caught in a cycle of trauma. We recognise that police are often traumatized, and that they ALSO can inflict trauma on others through their work. There is much healing needed to reconcile this difficult situation. It will need a different approach, mindset and way of thinking. But we believe change can happen.” – Marcina Hale
There are over 25 million first responders in the U.S., working at the forefront of every disaster - and millions more who are currently retired. Police, paramedics, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians are there for us at life’s toughest moments., yet, when exposed to repeated traumas they often find themselves alone and dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, and hopelessness. It’s a shocking fact that police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
Stigma around mental health conditions is a serious barrier to people seeking help, and even when treatments are soughts, it’s clear that they are not adequately helping people cope – let alone heal and thrive.
85% of first responders have experienced symptoms related to mental health conditions
5x more likely to
experience PTSD
10x more likely to attempt suicide than other American adults*
There is hope. We are excited by the potential of promising medicines and therapies – including transformational medicines like psychedelics. We are here to help first responders, both to get the support they deserve and to change the systems they work in.
We bring together first responders to share their stories and insights into the cycles of trauma and to get to know others on the same journey. Rather than solely diagnosing and medicating, we take a whole-person approach to transformation.
We educate people on the historical global context of the war on drugs, current research into transformational medicines, and share information on how (and where) they can be accessed legally.
We work with individuals and organizations within the first responder community, policy makers, nonprofit and for-profit businesses as well as funders to create change in the perspectives and direction of our current systems.
Convenings and authentic conversations are the foundation of our work. We bring together first responders to create their own roadmap for the initiative, ensuring that all programs are guided by the people they are meant to serve.
Our Invitational Gatherings are held at Reonsider’s home, located in the Hudson Valley in upstate New York.
