DOVER, Del. — Delaware held its inaugural Healing The Helpers: A Mental Health Conference for First Responders and Veterans as part of a statewide effort to strengthen support systems for those who serve, according to reports. The event was developed by the… The post DELAWARE HOLDS FIRST HEALING THE HELPERS CONFERENCE TO SUPPORT FIRST RESPONDERS AND VETERANS appeared first on TV Delmarva Channel 33.
DOVER, Del. — Delaware held its inaugural Healing The Helpers: A Mental Health Conference for First Responders and Veterans as part of a statewide effort to strengthen support systems for those who serve, according to reports. The event was developed by the Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium and co-sponsored by the Department of Correction to reinforce the state’s commitment to the well-being of first responders and veterans. The conference took place one day after Veterans Day and drew more than 300 participants, including firefighters, police, EMTs, correctional staff, and veterans. The program focused on the challenges tied to trauma, repeated exposure to critical incidents, and the lasting strain that responders often carry beyond their work. National speakers and panelists with firsthand experience in emergency response and military service led discussions based on shared lived experience and practical approaches to long-term wellness.
Organizers structured the event to address the shortcomings that responders and veterans frequently encounter when seeking help. Sessions highlighted the need for stronger statewide systems that can meet the demands placed on those who face dangerous and high-pressure environments daily. The conference design emphasized tools that go beyond basic coping strategies and recognized the importance of coordinated support for responders and their families. The event featured fireside conversations and a vendor area with more than a dozen organizations providing access to counseling services, peer support, and state-backed resources. Participants had opportunities to connect directly with agencies involved in mental health, community assistance, and veterans services to better understand available programs and long-term support pathways.
State leaders attended throughout the day, including the governor, the secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the secretary of Safety and Homeland Security, members of the General Assembly, and senior correctional officials. Their participation underscored the state’s intention to reinforce mental health initiatives for first responders, veterans, and their families and to expand the network of agencies involved in this work. The Behavioral Health Consortium plans to use information gathered from the conference to guide future planning and strengthen support efforts for veterans, first responders, and other communities across the state.
The post DELAWARE HOLDS FIRST HEALING THE HELPERS CONFERENCE TO SUPPORT FIRST RESPONDERS AND VETERANS appeared first on TV Delmarva Channel 33.
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