Smith County Sheriff’s Office plans mental health program for first responders
Grant will support check-ins and counseling resources for employees and their families
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - The Smith County Sheriff’s Office plans to launch a mental health program for first responders using a $120,000 grant from the governor’s office.
The program will provide check-ins following potentially traumatic calls and connect employees with resources, including counseling. The sheriff’s office also plans to offer resources for family members.
Check-ins and counseling
A sheriff’s office chief said the Checkpoints program is designed to help first responders before they reach a crisis. The check-ins will follow calls such as fatal crashes, child abuse cases and other incidents involving loss of life.
The agency also plans to partner with R3, which offers specialized counseling and resiliency retreats for first responders and their spouses. The chief said some counseling will be covered by the grant, while other treatment could require medical insurance.
The chief said implementation will begin this month, with a goal of having the program in place within 30 to 60 days.
A sergeant said access to counseling and peer support could help employees deal with traumatic experiences. He encouraged deputies to use the resources.
“Use these resources, talk to someone, empty your box,” he said.
The chief said Smith County was among six Texas law enforcement agencies awarded the program and would be the first sheriff’s office to implement it.
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