Sixth annual event to focus on support of mental health for Arizona officers

PHOENIX – The job of a police officer has become increasingly more difficult over the past year. This April, several Valley agencies will come together to better support the mental health of officers and help them process the difficult situations that so often arise.

Cigna Health will host their sixth annual Officer Wellness Day at Reigning Grace Ranch in Rio Verde Arizona. The outdoor space was picked to cater to social distancing needs while also allowing for higher attendance.

The event is free and all law enforcement agents in Arizona are eligible, along with their spouses.

This Officer Wellness Day will provide all-day workshops focused on treating trauma from the job, financial health, morale and resiliency, responder health and benefits of equine experiences.

“This is a proactive approach to introduce our law enforcement professionals to different resources that are available in the community in a non-threatening way,” Laura Magnuson, Cigna Behavioral Health counselor, told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Magnuson is the daughter of a retired police officer. With her understanding and personal experience, she led a therapy session about the impact police work can have on family members.

The Tempe Officers Association is among the founders of Officer Wellness Day.

Sgt. Rob Ferraro is the President of the Tempe Officers Association. He described the day as dedicated to ending “the stigma that I can’t ask for help and that suck it up mentality, because it doesn’t work.”

A record number of current or former police officers died by suicide last year, according to Blue H.E.L.P., a nonprofit that works to reduce stigmas tied to mental health issues for those in law enforcement.

In 2019, 228 current or former officers died by suicide, compared with 172 in 2018. Since Blue H.E.L.P. began collecting data, more American police officers have died by suicide than all line-of-duty deaths combined.

“It’s days like Officer Wellness Day that we bring together the law enforcement community and those who support us when we need it most,” Ferraro said.

For officers’ safety, the time and date of this year’s Officer Wellness Day were not disclosed. Those who are interested are asked to email event organizers.

Follow @Ali_Vetnar