XENIA — The City Council approved the execution of a free three-year contract with Pinpoint Behavioral Health for the Public Safety Department’s First Responder Wellness and Mental Health Program.
The Public Safety Department, which consists of the Fire & EMS Division, Police Division, and Emergency Communications Division, was awarded a state grant using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). A grant request of $99,450 over three years will fund the program.
According to city officials, the program will include an annual mental health evaluation for public safety personnel with funds provided for follow-up care if needed. The grant provides specific training that focuses on mental health wellness and stress management, and includes oversight/quarterly check-ins to ensure continued wellness.
“This new program is very beneficial. It’s an incentive for us to take care of our physical and mental health,” said Captain Greg Beegle, whose division recently completed calcium testing at Greene Memorial Hospital. The crew has yet to complete a mental health check up.
The health screening program – which began earlier this year – emphasizes prevention, education, and emotional support. Pinpoint Behavioral Health Solutions can help break down the barrier to talking to a mental health provider by:
Neck check ups: Thirty to 60 minutes with a culturally competent clinician to reduce stigma and help guide staff to make choices to improve their mental health.
Department training: Approximately two hours per shift to increase awareness, education of responders with their own mental health, morale development, and emotional intelligence.
Mental health therapy: Provide ongoing therapy sessions, link personnel to appropriate resources or their providers. Use CBT, EMOR, CPT, and other evidence-based interventions with a master level clinician.
Crisis and consultation: Provide 24/7/365 availability to respond to crisis personnel. Services include CID, CISM, consultation, coordination with other services, and referral if needed. Provide on-scene/post-incident response.
The Pinpoint team also conducts spousal support group educational events and post traumatic stress disorder/trauma educational presentations; attends and provides clinical consultation services in various departments; established relationships with local hospitals to assist in a smooth direct process for first responders in a mental health crisis; offered after business hours therapeutic support to each member and command staff within the departments and provided support after critical incidents and responded to requests.
