Northeast College Massage Therapy Program Director & Crouse Health Collaborate to Support Law Enforcement

Northeast College of Health Sciences Massage Therapy Program Director Nicole Miller, LMT, and Crouse Health are working collaboratively to help law enforcement officers with loss and trauma through the Triage Massage project.

Created in April 2024, the project will support the Onondaga County Sheriff and Syracuse Police departments after Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriff Michael Hoosock were killed in the line of duty. So far, 10 local massage therapists have volunteered and are ready to provide massage therapy to those in the law enforcement community affected by job-related tragedies.

“Our first responders and law enforcement officers are always on standby for the people in our communities. They regularly face tragedy and demanding situations, often in dangerous circumstances,” Miller said. “We want to be there, ready to provide our services for local police and first responders during their time of need.”

“Ms. Miller's involvement in the Massage Triage project reflects our shared values and deep commitment to serve the community,” said Northeast College President Dr. Michael Mestan. “We are very proud of this collaborative response to support the health and wellness of the first responders who support us, every day."

As part of the Hands and Hearts in Action project of which she is founder, Miller has worked collaboratively with Crouse Health to provide massage therapy for healthcare workers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, massage therapists provided trauma-informed care for hospital employees that addressed orthopedic challenges, pain reduction and anxiety relief.

“Our community depends on the brave and selfless service provided by our first responders and law enforcement agencies 24/7, and we’re pleased to be a part of this innovative service,” said Crouse Health CEO Seth Kronenberg, M.D.

Local Massage Therapists Offering Volunteer Services

Massage therapists from the Finger Lakes and Central New York regions who are on standby for the Triage Massage project include Laurie Morrison, Danielle LeFever, Matthew Balch, Cristal Sabatine, Melissa Traino, Cindy Hawks and Dan Sullivan, as well as yoga instructor Rebecca Craig.

Miller is thankful to those who have already committed their time and services and is contacting local law enforcement agencies to offer volunteer massage therapy services. Massage therapists who want to volunteer to be part of the Triage Massage project can contact Nicole at NMiller@northeastcollege.edu.