County explores new mental health support for first responders

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on enhancing mental health support for first responders through the county's wellness fund. The wellness fund, established approximately 20 years ago, is financed by a per-employee monthly contribution and currently holds a cash balance of about $150,000. This fund has evolved from primarily covering biometric screenings to now supporting various wellness initiatives, including the Virgin Pulse app and wellness fairs.

The focus of the meeting was on the need for a more targeted mental health resource for first responders, who often face secondary trauma in their roles. While the existing Virgin Pulse app addresses general wellness, it lacks the specific trauma response capabilities needed for these frontline workers. The county is exploring options for a dedicated tool that would better serve the mental health needs of employees in high-stress positions, such as sheriff's deputies and 911 operators.

The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by first responders in seeking help for mental health issues, often waiting weeks or months to acknowledge their struggles. Unlike physical injuries, mental health conditions are not adequately covered under Montana's workers' compensation system, complicating the process for employees seeking support. The sheriff and county officials are working on a proposal to address this gap in coverage, aiming to ensure that mental health injuries sustained in the line of duty receive the same attention and resources as physical injuries.

The county plans to utilize its current cash resources to explore these mental health initiatives, with hopes of implementing a new program by early spring of the upcoming calendar year. The ongoing dialogue emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health proactively, ensuring that first responders have access to the necessary support systems to cope with the demands of their critical roles.