Danbury ad hoc committee approves Cummings Foundation grant for police wellness

An ad hoc Danbury City committee voted unanimously on April 28 to accept a Collaboration and Data Use Agreement with the Cummings Foundation to provide behavioral-health and wellness services for police staff.

The agreement, as presented at the 6 p.m. meeting, includes $83,625 for comprehensive health assessments for officers, $32,000 to purchase gym equipment and $14,000 for Peer Support Team training. Chair Andrea Gartner said there is an option for the grant to be repeated annually, potentially totaling up to about $600,000 over five years.

Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour told the committee the department had not previously received an opportunity like this; he credited Department Psychologist Dr. Edward Keane with coordinating a tour of the station with the foundation that led to the offer. Ridenhour said the services would be voluntary and would include supports for officers’ families when those services are offered.

Member Mike Henry asked whether the health evaluations would be protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Chief Ridenhour responded that the evaluations would be protected by HIPAA and that the results would not be used as fit-for-duty evaluations.

Tracy Norris, Assistant Corporation Counsel, confirmed that Corporation Counsel had reviewed, amended and approved the final agreement before it was presented for approval.

Member Lou Giordano moved to accept the collaboration and data-use agreement; Member Mike Henry seconded the motion. The committee carried the motion unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:08 p.m.