Two Harris County deputies die by suicide, highlighting need for mental health support among first responders

Harris County- The Harris County Sheriff’s Office confirmed two of their deputies took their own lives.

According to the Medical Examiner’s Office, Deputy Christina Kohler died by suicide on March 13th.

Deputy Maria Vasquez passed away on Sunday in Montgomery.

These heartbreaking events emphasize the need for mental health support for first responders.

KPRC’s Content Gatherer, Isa Gonzalez-Montilla, spoke with Director of the Trauma and Resilience Center at UTHealth Houston, Dr. Ron Acierno, about a free statewide initiative focused on breaking down stigmas around first responders asking for help.

“Much like the veteran community and the active-duty community, the idea is to tough it out. Or whether it’s due to the fact that they just didn’t know the help was available, or didn’t think it could help,” said Dr. Acierno.

Dr. Acierno says emergency crews often avoid their mental health, which can cause more issues in the long run.

“All of these things are sad because we do have effective treatments,” Dr. Acierno explains. “They aren’t fun. They aren’t comfortable. They’re very action-oriented. . .The focus is on changing what you do to change how you feel.”

He’s talking about a free program at the Trauma and Resilience Center that offers evidence-based mental health support to first responders all over the state of Texas.

If you’re interested in signing up, the first step is as simple as calling 713-486-2630 and leaving a message.

“It’s a voicemail, so you don’t have to worry about talking to anybody. And we’ll call you back,” said Dr. Acierno.

Treatments last anywhere from 12 to 15 weeks, and the program is remote for the convenience of first responders.

If you know a first responder who needs help and isn’t ready to make the call, Dr. Acierno says he can help them get over the hump.

“Ask for their permission for me to call them. . . I’ll call them personally and explain the type of treatment we do,” said Dr. Acierno.