Nassau County Unveils Wellness Center For Police And Their Families

MINEOLA, NY — Nassau County officials, on Wednesday, unveiled a Wellness Center for members of the police department.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said the center, located at the headquarters in Mineola, shows a commitment to the health of each member of the department, "both physically and mentally," he said.

Blakeman said suicide and other mental health issues are no longer a stigma and needs to be properly addressed.

"People can get help. They can get the therapy that they need, and sometimes just need to talk to somebody," Blakeman said. "This Wellness Center is going to provide that opportunity."

The county executive said police, who put their lives on the line for Nassau residents, should be able to "stay well and live their lives in a very peaceful, healthy and happy way."

Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said: "We always recognize the fallen. But there's a lot of people [who] get damaged along the way. No matter how dark that tunnel gets, you're going to find light if you keep moving forward."

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly: "The most important thing, I believe, we can do is care for those who care for us."

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.