Chris Prochut

Talk2EndStigma

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Chris Prochut (pro-hut) is a mental health advocate and law enforcement suicide prevention trainer.

For more than 10 years, Chris has had the honor to present to over 16,000 law enforcement officers across the United States and portions of Canada on the topics of suicide and depression warning signs, medication myths, department policy revision, and told of his personal experience with the stigma of mental health issues. Chris has presented at many NAMI organized Crisis Intervention Team Trainings (CIT) where he addresses the subject of "Taking care of our own” and has been featured at various specialized law enforcement conferences advising departments on program development to assist officers at risk for suicide. Feedback from these trainings shows just how well received Chris’s message is, how the topics of suicide and mental illness are rarely discussed openly within law enforcement, and how education and training are causing a paradigm shift within police departments.

Chris served for 10 years as member of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Death Response (LEDR) Team, is a former trainer in QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) suicide prevention program, a FBI National Academy (FBINA) Enrichment Speaker, a FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) Officer Safety and Wellness Committee Member, and an active volunteer with BringChange2Mind; an organization founded by Actress Glenn Close to end the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Chris was recognized with the 2017 HOPES Award for his achievements in advancing suicide prevention in law enforcement by Mental Health America – Wisconsin.

In 2018 Chris was presented with a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Iris Award for his Outstanding Contributions, dedication, and support to promote the mission and vision of NAMI Wisconsin.

In May 2024 Chris was recognized by NAMI - Southeast Wisconsin with the "Shattering Stigma" award for his unwavering efforts to show that reaching out for help is a sign of strength and promoting open conversation surrounding mental health within law enforcement.

Chris resides in Hartford, Wisconsin with his wife Jennifer and their children Chase (20) and Ashlyn (16).