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Town approves $11,500 budget amendment to support mental‑health services for public‑safety personnel
Summary
The council approved a budget amendment to provide $11,500 to support mental‑health services for town public‑safety personnel and their families, citing rising out‑of‑pocket costs and the importance of responder support services.
The Town of Waynesville council approved Oct. 15 a budget amendment to provide $11,500 to support mental‑health services for emergency responders, their spouses and families.
Cody (Fire Department) told council that recent insurance and policy changes have increased out‑of‑pocket costs for mental‑health care and that financial barriers could discourage personnel from seeking help. He said the town and its insurance broker USI had identified options that expand no‑cost initial visits and that the additional town funding would remove remaining financial barriers for continued care.
A representative from Responder Support Services, a clinician group focused on emergency‑services personnel, described the organization’s model and local outpatient presence and stressed the importance of specialized, culturally competent care for first responders. “Historically, emergency services has rejected participating in counseling because of the stigma... That culture is shifting,” the speaker said, describing demand and the value of face‑to‑face services.
Council approved the appropriation by voice vote and said the funding would support retention and morale among first responders.
Votes at a glance: Council approved a budget amendment in the amount of $11,500 to supplement mental‑health care support for public‑safety personnel; the motion passed by voice vote.
