A Holistic Approach for Agency Wellness: A Spectrum of Options for a Cross-Functional Law Enforcement Team

Now, more than ever mental health has been a buzz phrase to promote self-care or external care from mental health professionals with demands from community, law enforcement professionals, and allocated funding to tackle the invisible injuries. Traditional employee assistance programs (EAPs) are commonly provided by organizations, but how often, effective, or trusted are the programs?

This case study explores the partnership between Lieutenant Khaliqa Wheatley and Kathleen ‘Kat’ Hensley, LMHC, CFRC, tackling the stigma of mental health amongst public safety professionals, adopting a holistic approach to mental health and wellness by serving as a hub of resources, and integrating a hands-on employee assistance program. The two, together care for the unique Walton County Sheriff’s Office members through a multitude of resources to bridge the dichotomy between an agency member’s needs and the needs of the organization. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office encompasses law enforcement operations, jail operations, communications, fire rescue, animal services, and the child protection unit all under one umbrella, which has shown to have unique challenges that arise in each individual profession or simply, forgotten about.

This case study will show the process into the program development, challenges, and the identification of needs from all facets of the organization, not just high-risk members.

• What is a holistic approach to mental health and wellness?
• How do we identify the needs of the organization’s culture and members?
• Keyways to break down the stigma of mental health amongst public safety professionals ‘they’re taking my gun from me’, ‘they’re taking my certification from me’. ‘I won’t be promoted after this.’
• Factors to consider when taking on a large program that touches individuals, serving the community, their families, and agency business needs with respect to legal implications