May is Mental Health Awareness Month and The Code 9 Project wants to make sure our Northstate first responder's mental health is not forgotten with it.
According to the US Department of Public Health, about 30% of first responders will develop a behavioral health condition like PTSD and depression, compared to 20% of the general population.
Suicide among first responders has also increased. 125 to 300 police officers commit suicide every year and firefighters have higher suicide attempt and ideation rates than the general population, according to Help for Our Heroes.
Brandielee Baker is the president and co-founder of the non-profit Code 9 Project. Their goal is to educate, train and advocate for the prevention of PTSD and suicide for all first responders, veterans and their families.