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County to add peer-support coordinator for first responders, funded by opioid settlement
Summary
Committee approved creation of a full-time peer-support program coordinator (grade 15) funded by Department of Mental Health Opioid Settlement Funds; staff said survey of police, fire, EMS and dispatch showed widespread support and settlement funds may sustain the position for up to 15 years per staff contact.
Orange County's Public Safety and Emergency Safeties Committee unanimously approved Dec. 12 the creation of one full-time program coordinator for first-responder peer-support services, to be funded from Department of Mental Health Opioid Settlement Funds.
Staff described a county survey sent to law enforcement, fire, EMS and dispatch that showed strong interest in a county peer-support program. The coordinator's responsibilities will include identifying peer candidates in each discipline, administering training and certification, arranging on-call schedules, coordinating clinical support and partnering with local nonprofit providers.
Staff said peer responders prefer support from someone in the same discipline (for example, dispatchers with experienced dispatchers), and that recent incidents required reliance on sheriff-department employee-assistance programs. A staff contact named Lacey was cited as saying settlement funds could fund the position for roughly 15 years.
The committee approved the request by voice vote. Staff will proceed with classification, hiring and coordination with county HR and partner organizations.
