Unified Government Launches Wellness App for Public Safety Personnel
Published on September 15, 2021
Mental and physical wellness is critical to a professional, successful fire and law enforcement department. Because members of public safety service are exposed to traumatic incidents at much higher rates than the general population, they are more susceptible to mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, anxiety and suicide.
To proactively address these mental health challenges among Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD), Kansas City, Kansas City Police Department (KCKPD) and Wyandotte County Sherriff officers and personnel, the Unified Government has launched a customized, confidential wellness app that will be available to public safety personnel and their families. Powered by Cordico, the leader in public safety wellness technology, the app includes a wellness toolkit addressing 60 behavioral health topics such as fatigue, suicide prevention and alcohol abuse, mental health self-assessments, and videos and guides on yoga, mindfulness, nutrition and more.
“We recognize the stressful nature of the work and its impacts on the overall wellbeing of public safety personnel and their entire family,” said Wyandotte County Sheriff Don Ash. “This app is another tool that we can use to provide support of their work and commitment to our community.”
The app includes key features such as an Officer Wellness Toolkit with over 50 modules including emotional survival, financial fitness, parenting and marital resources, and sleep optimization. In addition, there are self-assessment tools, a therapist finder to identify local resources, as well as peer and chaplain support.
“Firefighting is a serious and dangerous occupation that can often be stressful and sometimes traumatic. When the citizens in our community call 911 for help, they expect and deserve the very best from us when we respond,” said KCKFD Chief Michael Callahan. “Cordico is a tool that I believe will help provide a strategic solution to strengthen firefighter wellness. This unique and affordable application is easily accessible and our firefighter’s health and safety is one of my biggest priorities.”
Public safety personnel and their family members will have confidential, 24/7 access to the app to ensure they have the resources they need in their most difficult moments – on or off-duty. “No one should ever feel blocked from accessing help at times of need due to their schedule or location or concerns about confidentiality, and that is especially true of our public safety personnel who dedicate their professional lives to responding to others’ emergencies,” says Cordico founder and president Dr. David Black.
KCKFD, KCKPD, and the Wyandotte County Sheriff will utilize this technology to help personnel build resilience and avoid the negative long-term effects of high job-related stress.
“The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department has long recognized the important link between officer wellness and its impact on the residents we serve,” said KCKPD Chief Karl Oakman. “This app is another important tool in helping us remain at the forefront of changing public safety culture as we diligently work to support the mental health and wellness of our officers at work and at home.”
The Unified Government joins hundreds of agencies and organizations nationwide served by Cordico.
Media Contact: Bridgette Cobbins, Assistant County Administrator, bcobbins@wycokck.org, 913-573-8039