Our Why

We founded Priority Wellness Campaign because there was a severe lack of mental health resources directly for first responders in our community. We believe every first responder should have access to free mental health resources and education provided by their peers – because no one understands a first responder, like a first responder.

Narriated by Michael Briggs, PWC Executive Director

Who We Are: Priority Wellness Campaign is a not-for-profit organization that offers peer support and education to first responders. Our mission is to help those who put the community's safety first by providing resources to manage stress, trauma, and other emotional challenges. Priority Wellness Campaign's skilled team of volunteers is trained to provide confidential services to help those in need. We take pride in offering a safe and comfortable place where first responders can share their concerns and experiences without any judgment. Our organization believes that peer support and education are essential to protect the mental health of those who serve the community. Overall, Priority Wellness Campaign is committed to promoting wellness and addressing the unique mental and emotional needs of first responders.

What We Do: PWC has two main programs, Peer Support and Education. The Peer Program provides peer support sessions in person and virtually to first responders seeking assistance. The topics of these requests range from issues stemming from a call for service, family issues, financial troubles, etc.

Our Education program has a variety of classes such as financial planning, general mental health, junior program wellness education, and more. The education program also hosts a podcast, the Priority Wellness Podcast, hosted by Kollin Hardy and Pat O’Connell.

  • Priority Wellness Campaigns’ mission is to provide mental wellness programs for first responders and their families by:

    1. Facilitating peer-based support for first responders. Our third-party organization does not recognize ranks or positions, allowing responders to feel free to speak about mental health challenges without fear of facing agency stigma or discipline;

    2. Fosteringing a safe and confidential space for first responders to communicate their struggles;

    3. Buildinging a strong community of first responders by recognizing a person-first approach to working on mental health challenges;

    4. Facilitating education and advocacy in the mental health space to ensure first responders and their families are supported throughout their careers and can live long and happy lives during active duty and retirement.

  • A resilient and supported first responder community that thrives in both their professional and personal lives.

  • This may go without saying, but we will say it anyway. Priority Wellness Campaign takes confidentiality very seriously. Taking a step out of your comfort zone is already stressful and courageous, you shouldn’t have to worry about others knowing the intimate details of your mental health journey without your permission. PWC has procedures in place to ensure your information stays confidential at all times. Our database has HIPAA-level security, giving you peace of mind that your information will be far out of reach from unauthorized eyes.

Meet A Co-Founder

Hey there and thank you for visiting our website! Back in October of 2022, I had an amazing experience while working a shift on the ambulance with my EMT partner, Julia Halteman. Throughout our shift, we faced a variety of dynamic calls, from responding to falls to a cardiac arrest call. However, it was the last call of the day that truly touched our hearts. We were called to help a young man who had survived a suicide attempt. As we cared for him, I had the opportunity to connect with him on a personal level and offer some advice. Little did I know that he would have a profound impact on a complete stranger’s life. Sometime later, this same man heroically saved someone else from a devastating house fire. It was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have on others and the importance of compassion during life's darkest moments.

After much discussion about the lack of mental health support for first responders in our area, our group of 4 created what we now know as Priority Wellness Campaign, a small organization with big goals. In a short period of time, we have launched a functional peer program that exists outside of a first responder organization, a first of its kind and so much more! Thanks for stopping by!

— Michael P. Briggs II, Executive Director

Our Values

At PWC, we believe the foundation of a strong community is a healthy first responder workforce. To ensure we succeed in our mission, we have created a list of values that we live by.

  • We approach our mission with empathy and understanding.

  • We foster a sense of belonging and support within the first responder community.

  • We empower first responders and their families with knowledge and skills for mental well-being.

  • We work closely with community partners and stakeholders to maximize our impact.

Finances

Do you have additional questions about our finances? Complete annual financial statements may be requested by emailing accounting@pwcnny.org.

2022

2023