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Former deputy and local therapist propose confidential mental‑health program for Ross County first responders; ask $10,000 to seed fund
Summary
Eric Cochran and Daniel Matthews proposed a confidential, county‑accessible mental‑health program for first responders and asked the board to seed a $10,000 fund to cover co‑pays and sessions (estimated 100 sessions); presenters described confidentiality protocols, telehealth, and rapid access procedures.
Retired deputy Eric Cochran and clinician Daniel (Danny) Matthews presented a proposal to create a confidential mental‑health fund and referral pathway for Ross County first responders. Cochran described his experience as a survivor of a line‑of‑duty shooting and framed the program as peer‑driven, stigma‑reducing support for officers, firefighters and EMS personnel.
Matthews, owner of Dirty South Therapeutics, described program mechanics: a dedicated contact line for first responders with promised callback within two hours, clinician availability (in‑person and telehealth), confidentiality protections under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 for substance matters, and a plan to use seed funding to cover co‑pays and deductibles for those without insurance. He estimated a $10,000 seed would cover roughly 100 sessions if used solely to cover co‑pays or uninsured visits.
Presenters emphasized rapid access for critical incidents, data tracking of aggregate metrics (not clinical notes), and a plan to separate operating funds from clinical funds (donations used for operations; seed money for sessions). Several board members asked for specifics on what the $10,000 would buy; Matthews replied that the fund would pay co‑pays and 100 sessions as a demonstration pilot and that the group is pursuing grants and sponsorships for ongoing sustainability.
No formal vote or funding authorization for the $10,000 request was recorded during the meeting; board members agreed to discuss the proposal further and coordinate follow‑up with the presenters.
