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Commissioners ask staff to vet volunteer, prevention-focused mental health pilot for county employees
Summary
Chair Ken Hagan introduced a proposal to explore a volunteer, prevention-focused mental health program for county employees; the board voted 7-0 to refer the idea to staff for vetting and a possible pilot, with instructions to return findings in time for budget consideration if recommended.
Chair Ken Hagan asked the Board of County Commissioners on April 16 to refer a proposed volunteer, prevention-focused mental health pilot program for county employees to staff for review.
Why it matters: Hagan framed the idea as a prevention model intended to reduce stress, anxiety and early mental-health challenges before they become clinical issues. He said the program, modeled by a private group called Emotional Vaccines, partners with governments, school districts and community organizations to provide education and culture-change tools.
What commissioners asked: Chair Hagan emphasized he was not seeking a large budget commitment immediately, but wanted staff to vet whether a pilot could be run in a single department and, if promising, to present a report for possible budget consideration. Commissioner Harry Cohen noted parallel efforts to survey first responders and coordinate with local partners such as the Crisis Center and USF for first-responder supports.
Vote and outcome: The board voted 7-0 to refer the proposal to county staff for a deeper review and to report back; the motion was offered by Chair Ken Hagan and seconded on the record (second by Commissioner Harry Cohen). No funding was committed at the April 16 meeting.
Ending: Staff will evaluate program fit, pilot scope and anticipated costs and return recommendations for the board’s consideration.
