Bartholomew County is applying for a $200,000 federal grant to provide wellness support for police and other first responders, as well as their families.
The Bartholomew County Commissioners have agreed to allow the sheriff’s office to apply for a Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness grant available through the COPS program within the U.S. Department of Justice.
If approved, federal funds will be used to improve the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement. This is done through peer support, training, family resources, suicide prevention, and other practices for wellness programs, according to the program’s website.
Created by a Congressional Act passed in 2019, this program would fund projects that develop knowledge, increase awareness of effective mental health and wellness strategies, and improved the skills and abilities of law enforcement, the website states.
If the full grant being requested is awarded, sufficient funding would be available to help 300 individuals, Bartholomew County Jail Matron Bobbie Shake said. Shake worked as a grant administrator in the county auditor’s office before moving to the job at the county jail.
“(300 spots) would cover the sheriff’s department, the Columbus Fire Department and most of the other fire departments,” Shake said. “But priority will be given to law enforcement.”
Commissioner Larry Kleinhenz said he wants the service also provided to law enforcement in smaller communities within the county.
With every individual who is covered, their family members are covered as well, Shake said. As an example, she said a spouse could use the service to learn at no cost about the signs and symptoms of mental health and wellness for law enforcement officers.
One high-tech aspect of the program is a cell phone app called Cordico which provides confidential, 24/7 proactive and preventive wellness support.
Many police agencies have specialized groups of peer volunteers trained to provide support to officers after dangerous and stressful calls. Peer team members provide critical incident debriefings, address family needs, notify family members of employee deaths, and provide support during and after stressful events/
Now that elected county officials have approved the application, Shake will need to submit initial budgetary forms no later than April 14, and the entire application no later than April 21. It is anticipated that awards will be announced on or after Oct. 1.
