Corrections Officers

The experiences that corrections officers face during their career can lead to serious mental health concerns. It’s important that corrections agencies take action to address the mental health and wellness of their officers.

A few reasons why it’s important to address mental health now:
• 25% of correctional staff experience both PTSD and depression.
• 34% of correctional staff in security roles have Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• 36% of correctional staff experience depression.
• The average life expectancy of a correctional officer is 59 years, compared to the national average of 75 years.

What you can do:
• If you are a leader of a corrections agency, start implementing the CARES UP model for you and your officers. Contact CARESUP@omh.ny.gov for assistance.
• If you are a corrections officer, share this website with your supervisor. It’s important to spread the word about CARES UP and how it can help build wellness and resiliency at your agency.
• Complete free trainings and learn from the resources that CARES UP offers.

Why CARES UP can help:
• CARES UP can be a framework for how to create or improve “wellness and resiliency” initiatives for your agency.
• Gain access to tip sheets, guides, templates, and toolkits for how to share resources with your agency.