STATEN ISLAND, New York — Friends of firefighters (FOF), a nonprofit organization, recently launched “The Bravest Children” program to address the mental health needs of FDNY families.

Established in the wake of 9/11, “The Bravest Children” program was designed to serve the FDNY community and provide mental health care to New York’s Bravest children.

Friends of Firefighters is the leading independent provider of free and confidential mental health counseling and wellness services to active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families.

In recent years, FOF has seen an increase in demand for mental health services, with an almost 50% increase in client numbers and a 300% increase in counseling sessions in the last five years.

As suicide rates among firefighters remain nearly double those of the general population and the likelihood of dying by suicide is higher than in the line of duty, FOF is dedicated to dismantling the stigmas surrounding mental health care. in the firefighting community.

“The Bravest Children” program is a new initiative aimed at supporting the youngest members of the FDNY family by providing group sessions for children ages 6 to 11 at the historic FOF firehouse in Red Hook, Brooklyn. These sessions create a safe space for children to express their feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms alongside peers who share similar experiences.

As needs dictate, the program will expand to include other age ranges and family participation.

“With demand for our mental health services at an all-time high, underlined by a record 4,500 counseling sessions last year, ‘The Bravest Children’ offers a vital lifeline to the youngest members of our firefighting community, helping to ensure that the children of those who serve and protect our city receive the care and attention they deserve,” said Nancy Carbone, executive director of Friends of Firefighters. “We are deeply grateful to the council members and leaders whose advocacy has made this essential program possible.”

The launch of this program was made possible by $70,000 in discretionary funds from local elected officials, including members of the New York City Council and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. Of this, Fossella, a former FOF supporter, contributed $10,000.

“The Bravest Children” program marks an important milestone in FOF’s mission to provide comprehensive care to the FDNY community.

For more information about Friends of Firefighters, check out their website, instagramand Facebook.