
The Northern Kentucky First Responder Symposium empowers first responders with mental-health support
By Kenny Schroeder
The Northern Kentucky First Responder Symposium held its inaugural event on May 26, 2022, marking a key milestone for the region’s first-responder community. More than 200 participants, including first responders and their families, mental-health professionals, and community organizations, came together to create a supportive environment for connection, learning, and growth.
Designed to be affordable and accessible, the symposium featured a diverse group of speakers who addressed crucial topics such as stress management, trauma recovery, and mental-health awareness. Panel discussions and individual presentations encouraged open dialogue, allowing attendees to share their experiences and connect with one another. This collaborative environment fostered a sense of shared strength and resilience among first responders facing similar challenges.
Symposium Expands
In 2023, the symposium moved to the Saint Elizabeth Education and Training Center, providing a larger, more flexible venue that allowed for expanded programming and specialized breakout sessions. This new space enabled deeper discussions on the mental and emotional challenges first responders face, and brought in even more diverse voices to share valuable insights.
For many attendees, the symposium is more than just an educational experience, it’s life-changing. Speakers who have overcome trauma, depression, and suicidal thoughts offer powerful messages of hope and survival. Their stories remind everyone that recovery is possible and that suicide is preventable. The event serves as a critical opportunity for first responders to hear they are not alone, and that seeking help is a courageous step toward healing.

Life-Changing Event
I can personally attest to the life-saving impact of the symposium. A few years ago, I was struggling with my own mental health, feeling isolated and overwhelmed and heading down a very dark path. Being a part of the event and hearing from others who had faced similar battles gave me the strength to seek the help I needed. It reminded me that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and there is always hope.
The Northern Kentucky First Responder Symposium plays an essential role in connecting first responders to the resources they need to navigate mental-health challenges. Suicide and emotional struggles often feel isolating, but the symposium helps break down the stigma surrounding these issues and ensures individuals have access to the support they need.
2025 Northern Kentucky First Responder Symposium
The 2025 Northern Kentucky First Responder Symposium will be held on May 5, 2025, at the Saint Elizabeth Training and Education Center in Erlanger, KY. Registration details and resource information will be available soon.
We invite all first responders, their families, and anyone who supports their mental-health journey to join us. Together, we can continue to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide the resources that are critical to the well-being of those who serve our communities.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember: help is available, healing is possible, and you are not alone.