S8 E4 | Head Trauma in Law Enforcement: The Missing Piece in Officer Wellness

Mental health challenges have been long overlooked in law enforcement. Despite increased awareness and resources, we continue to see alarming suicide rates among officers nationwide. Recent research suggests there may be a critical missing link – the connection between repetitive head trauma and mental health conditions.

In our latest "On the Job with PORAC" podcast episode, we explore this vital topic with Stephanie Samuels, Founder of CopLine and a psychotherapist specializing in law enforcement mental health.

For anyone in need of immediate support, the CopLine Hotline (1-800-267-5463) is available 24/7 and is the only hotline addressing the connection between head trauma and officer mental health.

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vgDyfgg7bxAHuLreV98CVx-AaE3CfpSEWqVQyFa9n5U/edit?usp=sharing

Connect and Learn More

CopLine

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copline__/

X: https://x.com/COPLINE__

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/copline-inc-/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/copline/

Website: https://www.copline.org/

Brian Marvel

Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/

Ben Therriault

Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btherriault/

Resources

Concussion Legacy Foundation First Responder Resource: https://concussionfoundation.org/helpline/emergency_responders/

CopLine Hotline: 1-800-267-5463

Article: "Repetitive head impacts and trauma: The missing piece in suicide prevention" by Stephanie Samuels (October 2024): https://apbweb.com/2024/10/repetitive-head-impacts-and-trauma/

California Youth Football Act (AB-1): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1

CNA Report: "Law Enforcement Deaths by Suicide" (March 2024): https://www.cna.org/reports/2024/03/Law-Enforcement-Deaths-By-Suicide.pdf

60 Minutes - A dad's mission to uncover brain injuries after Navy SEAL son's suicide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILC54W36HNE&rco=1

PORAC’s research brief on officer health & wellness: https://porac.org/wp-content/uploads/PORAC-Research-Brief_Officer-Health-Wellness.pdf

#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety #OfficerWellness #MentalHealth #HeadTrauma #SuicidePrevention