Agenda Item Wording:
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Authorization to Apply for a Wellness Grant: Confirm the application submittal by the Visalia Police Department for the Law Enforcement Mental Health Wellness Act Grant for a maximum amount of $200,000.
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Deadline for Action: 5/6/2024
Submitting Department: Police Department
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Chief Jason Salazar, ext. 4215, jason.salazar@visalia.city;
Luma Fahoum, ext. 4103, luma.fahoum@visalia.city;
Liz Ybarra, Financial Analyst, liz.ybarra@visalia.city
Department Recommendation:
Confirm the Visalia Police Department's submittal of an application for the Law Enforcement Mental Health Wellness Act (LEMWHA) Grant for a maximum amount of $200,000. The grant had to be submitted by April 30, 2024 and due to time constraints, it was submitted with the option to withdraw if Council chooses not to confirm the submittal. The grant performance period is for 24 months and is effective 10/1/2024.
Summary:
If approved, grant funds would be used to pay for mental health services specific to first responders that would consist of access to culturally competent therapy sessions for police department personnel and mandatory annual mental health wellness check-ins for all sworn staff and members of dispatch. These services would also include critical incident debriefs as well as support and training for the Department's Peer Support Team. Funds would also be used to provide a Virtual Yoga Program designed for first responders to enhance wellness, reduce stress, and increase functional mobility for police department staff. Grant funds would also be utilized for a first responder wellness training/ conference for staff coordinating the grant.
Background Discussion:
The Grant is administered by the U.S Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS Office). The COPS office was appropriated $20 billion to advance community policing, which includes,...
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