November 21, 2024
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) — Mental health resources are being made more accessible for first responders on the Isle of Palms.
The Isle of Palms Police Department has received federal funding to be divided into three projects meant to help officers and the community.
“If first responders are not taking care of themselves, it may be challenging for them to take care of others…” said Dr. Elaine Chavez Swain, an associate professor and trauma-informed education director for the Institute for Building Resilience.
The first part of the federal grant will be used to purchase a wellness app for first responders and their families. The app allows crisis support, peer support, self-assessments, and more to help employees and their loved ones.
“Mental health is very important in this profession for all first responders. You’re ex posed to a lot of trauma in this profession, and it’s not just affecting us, but it affects all the family members,” Isle of Palms Sgt. Matt Storen.
For the second project, Isle of Palms officers will be the first in the state to receive special training at Columbia College’s Institute for Building Resilience. They will learn to understand the long-term impacts of trauma and build resilience through trauma-informed practices.