Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is rolling out a new mental health awareness initiative to provide more training and inhouse help for its employees.
“Law enforcement officers see a lot,” said Sheriff Chip Simmons. “I think it’s important to understand this is something that can cause increased hardships on our employees and their families.”
Deputies will have more immediate access to mental health services that fit around demanding schedules. The program will be housed at an off-site location with Col. Mindy Young supervising all aspects of mental health training and acting as the agency’s liaison to area mental health providers.
Young recently graduated with a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Troy University and is a registered mental health counselor. Her 22 years of experience in law enforcement puts her in a unique position to empathize with the stress deputies endure on the job and in their home lives.
“By giving them the tools and coping skills to better improve their overall health, they’re a better asset to the community they take care of,” Young said.
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