OUR MISSION
To transfer the hard-learned lessons from 9/11 and the Sandy Hook School Shooting, combined with the research and science of academia, to those suffering under the weight of stress.
OUR STORY
HEART 9/11 is a team of first responders from the FDNY, NYPD, PAPD and the NYC Building Trades, who bonded in the aftermath of September 11, 2001 to form a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build healing communities in the aftermath of tragedy.
HEART 9/11 was founded in 2007 by Lt. Bill Keegan, PAPD (Retired), the Night Operations Commander of the 9/11 World Trade Center Rescue/Recovery Teams. As the commander of the rescue/recovery teams, Bill noticed the effects of stress on himself and those who served under him and enlisted the help of Spence Eth, MD, who led NYC’s response to the psychological impact of the 9/11 tragedy. Together, they designed and implemented an effective stress management program.
Recognizing the challenges of providing assistance specifically to police officers, HEART 9/11 was contacted by the Newtown Police Department and the Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation following the 2012 Sandy Hook School Shooting. With the assistance of Dr. Steven Southwick of the Yale School of Medicine, they effectively responded to the mental health needs of the Newtown Police Department by designing a multi-pronged approach to address Newtown's first responders' unresolved social/emotional needs while simultaneously strengthening relationships and competencies to increase community healing, connectedness, and resilience.
As a result of HEART 9/11’s work in Newtown, HEART 9/11 developed The Center for Strength & Resiliency, a first responder wellness program in partnership with the Benson Henry Institute (BHI) for Mind Body Mind-Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
The Closing Ceremony, May 30, 2002 (First row, L to R) PAPD Lieutenant John Ryan, PAPD Lieutenant Bill Keegan, NYPD ESU Lieutenant John Moran, and PAPD ESU Sergeant Kevin Murphy lead the honor guard accompanying the Last Piece of Steel out of Ground Zero.
Newtown, Ct - Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, December 14, 2012.
Our Programs
• Strength + Resiliency Training
The Center’s Strength & Resiliency Peer-to-Peer training for non-uniformed personnel (nurses, teachers, school aides, administrative staff) who serve on the front-lines during tragic events, introduces healthy and enriching disciplines helping individuals manage stress and achieve a robust level of personal and professional resilience.
• Smart program for First responders
The SMART Program for First Responders: Enhanced Tactical Performance is a program for first responders created by a collaboration of research scientists, doctors, and first responders delivered by first responders who have learned to manage stress or other symptoms resulting from on-the-job experiences.
Stress disproportionately affects first responders. Not only do we have the daily causes of stress that affect the general populace, but we have the increased stresses involved in our professions.
• Train-the-Trainer
The Strength + Resiliency Training and the SMART Program for First Responders offer Train-the-Trainer Programs three times a year. These programs are taught by training specialists from various experts in stress management from academia, medicine and public service. The program is customized to prepare participants to integrate the Strength + Resiliency Training or the SMART Program into their workforce.