Skip to content

Officer Wellness and PTSD

Correctional Officer Wellness Project

Compared to the general public, studies show that corrections officers across the country face a much higher likelihood of being diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

This recognition of a serious and pervasive problem amongst employees, illustrates the impact the corrections environment has on everyone involved and validates the long-held belief that more must be done to protect and improve the mental and physical health of those who work behind the walls.

To raise this issue and develop plausible solutions, One Voice United aims to develop and launch a national campaign that puts officer wellness front and center with policy makers, reformers and the media.

One Voice United drafted policy recommendations sent to the National Governors Association with the support of national labor leaders and presidents of 16 state unions across the country.

In 2021, One Voice United announced the formation of an International Working Group to further understand and combat the effects of PTSD on corrections officers, staff and their families. The press release can be read here.

Blue Ribbon Commission Report 2022

One Voice United assembled the first-ever Blue Ribbon Commission (BRC) on correctional staff wellness. In front of a diverse and
Read More >

I Am Not Okay – Wellness White Paper

"I Am Not Okay." is a white paper discussing the mental health crisis facing correctional officers and frontline staff.
Read More >

Correctional Officer Wellness Project: Solutions

Before beginning the long-overdue work of reforming the U.S. correctional system and addressing the mental health challenges facing correctional officers
Read More >

Correctional Officer Wellness Project: Mental Health

Among America’s nearly 450,000 correctional officers (COs), PTSD and depression are at near-epidemic proportions, driving extreme rates of psychological and
Read More >

Correctional Officer Wellness Project: Causes of Stress

Before beginning the long-overdue work of reforming the U.S. correctional system and addressing the mental health challenges facing correctional officers
Read More >

Correctional Officer Wellness Project: Challenges with Facility Administration

Surprisingly, the biggest source of stress for correctional officers (COs) today isn’t the incarcerated individuals they work with – it’s
Read More >