PSC Back Up -3c-Mental Health Power Point for 2-1-2021mtg — original pdf

Backup

Mental Health Services for First Responders Public Safety Commission February 1, 2021 Patricia Bourenane, Management Services Assistant Director Dr. Ronnelle Paulsen, AFD Health & Wellness Director Rick Randall, APD Background • Council Resolution No. 20190619-092 – directed the City Manager to develop a report outlining the gaps and opportunities for improvement of mental health services for our first responders. • Fall 2020 – Input from HRD, first responders, Departments, and Public Safety Associations • January 2021 – Input session with first responders, staff psychologists, Associations and Department leadership • CAPCOG and Dell Medical School Request • Gathering additional input • February 1st – Public Safety Commission • February 3rd – Austin-Travis EMS Advisory Board • February 10th – Firefighters' and Police Officers' Civil Service Commission • City Auditor • Your feedback - What gaps and/or improvements have we missed? Current Gaps Improvements • Need for a contracted psychiatrist to provide psychiatric treatment • City’s insurance limitations with connecting to mental health providers and substance abuse treatment • Mental Health days for first responders • Additional Peer Support program funding, support and activities • Need for enhanced training for leadership within the departments in understanding the mental health needs of their employees AFD/EMS/APD • Wellness Center • Website • Volunteer Chaplains • APD First Responder Mental Health Grant Peer Support Program • • Critical Incident Stress Management debriefings Austin Fire • Two psychologists Austin Police Department Two psychologists • • APD Wellness Bureau’s internal • website Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy City’s Medical Plan • BlueCross BlueShield • • Employee Assistance Program iConnectYou • Establish a City-sponsored fund to retain a psychiatrist for first responders. • Establish protocol for Mental Health days. • Specialized training for public safety leadership on handling mental health issues for first responders. • Develop and administer training on social- justice-informed mental health care. • Hire 2 Full-Time employees to assist psychologists and Peer Support coordinators. • Additional funding for Peer Support activities. • Revisit departmental policies to accept the use of CBD oil for first responders. • Implement annual behavioral health check-ins • Increased funding allocation for Dr. Tania Glenn for first responders. & Associates, PA. • Coordinate a joint statement from City leadership, Associations, and Department management that commits to limitations on sharing mental health treatment information and that seeking therapy will not have negative repercussions on a first responder’s career. Next Steps • February 2021 – Gathering final input from boards and commissions • Due February 12th • March 2021 – Final report due to Council