JACKSON, Wyo. — On Monday, Feb. 5 the Town Council unanimously voted in favor of accepting a $126,000 grant to provide mental health and well-being resources to the Jackson Police Department.
The First Responder and Law Enforcement Grant award will allow the Wyoming Department of Health, Behavioral Health Division and the Town of Jackson to deliver and implement mental health services and support for first responders and law enforcement personnel.
Funding will be used to reduce job burnout and turnover. An eight-week Mindfulness Based Attention Training (MBAT) or “Train the Trainer” program will allow staff to offer mental wellness support.
“The more we teach mindfulness, it has a trickle down effect,” Lieutenant Russ Ruschill told Buckrail. “Officers then pass down what they have learned to people on the street.”
The police department will receive two electrotherapy devices that apply low amplitude microcurrrents via electrodes placed on the body and/or ears to treat chronic and post-traumatic pain, anxiety, insomnia and depression. Yoga mats will also be purchased for fitness and stress release use.
“Trauma has long-term effects on the human psyche,” Ruschill said. “We respond to a lot of calls dealing with domestic violence and traumatic injuries. The trauma that first responders and police officers endure has long-term effects on the human psyche. Resiliency training is the first piece of the puzzle to help our officers. We view resiliency as part of officer safety.”
“These services are not only essential for the mental well-being of our officers but also crucial in ensuring their continued effectiveness in serving and protecting our community,” the Town staff report states.
According to Town, the Jackson Police Department plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the community, and recent data and feedback from personnel in the department have underscored the need for improved mental health services and support.
“Police officers have faced increasing demands and stressors, including responding to critical incidents, managing high-pressure situations and witnessing traumatic events,” the Town stated the meeting minutes. “These challenges can have significant impacts on mental health and well-being.”
The grant is effective through June 30, 2027. Once the grant funding ends, the Jackson Hole Police Department plans to independently sustain the new mental health program.
