Last October, the International Association of Chiefs of Police launched the One Mind Campaign, which focuses on improving relationships between police and the mental health community and includes a commitment to train 100 percent of their agency’s sworn officers in Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety.

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the One Mind Campaign, and nearly 80,000 people trained in Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety, our #BeTheDifference campaign is focusing on the mental health of public safety officers and the communities they serve all month long.

Here’s how you can #BeTheDifference during the month of October:

1. Be on the lookout for more details on our October #BeTheDifference Twitter Chat. This month we’ll be talking all things mental health and public safety.
2. We’re blogging about mental health and public safety all month long. Stay up-to-date on all of our #BeTheDifference blogs and share them with your networks.
3. Check out this infographic about the mental health of public safety officers, and spread the word on social media.
4. Are you a public safety officer who has made an impact with Mental Health First Aid? We want to hear your story! Email EricaH@TheNationalCouncil.org to share your story for a chance to be featured on our blog.

The difference between someone getting the help they need or suffering in silence could be a friend, parent, teacher or coach who knows what to look for and how to engage people in open conversation. When that person is a police officer, the skills taught in Mental Health First Aid can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Thank you for doing your part to ensure that all public safety officers have the tools they need to enhance their interactions with mental health and their communities.