Spokane Police Dept. Awarded Federal Mental Health and Wellness Grant
The Spokane Police Department has been awarded a $186,250 grant from the U. S. Department of Justice under the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act. This funding will facilitate the implementation of mental health services, including peer support and training in nutrition, sleep, stress reduction, and mindfulness. Police Chief Kevin Hall highlighted that officers need to prioritize their well-being to better serve the community.
The Struggle Well program will be a key component of the initiative, focusing on enhancing officers' mental health. Emergency services for immediate assistance and mental health crisis support are also emphasized in the announcement. Local citizens can access non-emergency police services and report issues through dedicated hotlines. The grant aims to create a healthier police force, which is crucial for effective community engagement. Improved mental health resources align with broader efforts to support law enforcement personnel nationwide.