First Responders Mental Health Ball

Name: First Responders Mental Health Ball
Start: 2026-05-28T20:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-05-29T01:00:00-04:00
Location: Indiana Roof Ballroom

Schedule

Thu, 28 May, 2026 at 08:00 pm to Fri, 29 May, 2026 at 01:00 am

UTC-04:00

Location

Indiana Roof Ballroom | Indianapolis, IN

The First Responders’ Ball will gather first responders from across the state, including military personnel, EMS, sheriff's deputies, firefighters, parole officers, and corrections officers, to network, learn, grow, and dance.
The event will focus on the mental health crisis affecting first responders, in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Speakers will address the following key points:
Prevalence of Mental Health Issues: Approximately 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions, including depression and PTSD, compared to 20% in the general population.
Impact of Traumatic Events: The high-risk nature of first responder work increases the likelihood of psychological health conditions, with nearly 70% of EMS professionals surveyed saying they never have enough time to recover between traumatic events.
Stigma and Barriers to Care: The stigma around mental health in protective services creates a significant barrier to first responders seeking the help they need.
Support Systems: Resilience training and support systems are crucial in helping first responders cope with the psychological toll of their jobs. Peer support and counseling services can play a vital role in addressing the silent struggles and cumulative stress faced by first responders.
These discussions aim to shed light on the profound mental health challenges faced by our unsung heroes, their silent battles, and the pioneering support available to change the narrative around mental health care for first responders.