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City renews Help the Helpers program and seeks DOJ grant to expand first-responder mental health supports
Summary
Commissioners approved renewing Help the Helpers LLC to continue peer support, hypervigilance training and anonymous counseling for police, fire and HR staff and directed staff to pursue a Department of Justice mental health grant; staff said $165,500 was a three-year total and annual budget details will be managed.
Bowling Green commissioners voted to continue the city’s contract with Help the Helpers LLC to provide mental health resiliency and peer-support services for police, fire and human resources staff and to pursue a Department of Justice Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act grant to help fund the work.
City staff said the Help the Helpers program launched in 2021 and provides peer support, monthly peer meetings, training in hypervigilance coping skills, online resources and anonymous counseling access. Chief Delaney and other public-safety leaders described positive outcomes from the program and urged continuation.
Mr. Meisel said the $165,500 figure referenced in discussion is a three-year total and staff will manage program budgeting to account for grant outcomes. "We've had a really good experience with Help the Helpers," he said, and the city will apply for grant funding that can offset program costs but has contingency money in place if a grant is not awarded.
Supporters described the program’s phased approach — onboarding new employees and providing phase-two training for veterans — and said the program also offers education and support resources for employees’ spouses and families. HR staff said employees can book anonymous counseling appointments at no cost to them under the agreement.
Commissioners approved renewal and grant pursuit by roll call. The staff presentation encouraged continued funding and grant applications; the city will provide implementation details and annual budget allocations as grant results are known.
