Law enforcement is a challenging and stressful profession that requires individuals to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations. The nature of the job can take a toll on the mental health and well-being of law enforcement officers, and it is important to provide officers with the resources they need to function well amidst the challenges they face.
Understanding the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act
The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) was enacted in 2018 to address the mental health needs of law enforcement officers.
A study by the Ruderman Family Foundation found that in 2017, more police officers died by suicide than in the line of duty (Karp, 2019). This highlights the urgent need for initiatives to support the mental health and well-being of law enforcement officers.
The LEMHWA grant is a key component of this legislation, providing funding to support the development and implementation of mental health and wellness programs for law enforcement agencies.
What is the LEMHWA grant & what can it be used for?
The LEMHWA grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
The grant can be used to fund a range of activities, including:
- Developing and implementing peer support programs to provide officers with emotional support and assistance during difficult times.
- Providing training on stress management, resilience, and mental health awareness to law enforcement officers.
- Establishing or enhancing crisis intervention teams to provide officers with access to mental health services when they need it.
- Conducting research on the mental health needs of law enforcement officers and identifying best practices for supporting their well-being.
- Providing mental health services to law enforcement officers, including counseling, therapy, and other forms of treatment.
The LEMHWA grant is an important step forward in addressing the mental health needs of law enforcement officers. By providing funding and support for mental health and wellness programs, the grant helps to ensure that law enforcement agencies are better equipped to support the well-being of their officers.Law enforcement officers face unique challenges that can impact their mental health and well-being.
The LEMHWA grant acknowledges this fact and provides much-needed support to help officers cope with the stresses of their job. By providing funding for mental health and wellness programs, the grant helps to ensure that officers have access to the resources and support they need to maintain their well-being. It is a critical step forward in promoting the health and resilience of law enforcement officers, and it is essential that we continue to support this important initiative.
Who is eligible to apply for a LEMHWA Grant?
The grant is available to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to support programs that promote mental health and wellness among their officers. The grant is designed to fund “the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement through the implementation of peer support, training, family resources, suicide prevention, and other promising practices for wellness programs.”
Introducing our Peace Officer Wellness, Empathy & Resilience program
The Peace Officer Wellness, Empathy & Resilience (POWER) Training Program (POWER) is a 12-week program tailored for officers and first responders. It uses science-based strategies for optimizing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health, making it an ideal fit for LEMHWA.
POWER is a nationally certified innovative wellness program that may be a good fit for agencies seeking to increase resources for officers in the areas of physical, mental, and emotional wellness and better manage stressors and work-life balance.
The POWER curriculum addresses critical topics like burnout, empathy fatigue, moral distress, depersonalization, and pathological altruism. Agencies working with POWER find that the program leads to stronger relationships, a more positive agency culture, and enhanced community relations.
Visit our programs for more information on POWER.
See the research and results from previous POWER cohorts
Looking for an officer wellness program?
If you’re looking for an officer wellness program with proven results we’d love to help, contact our team and we’ll be in touch to answer any questions you might have.
Share this article & help raise awareness of our work
