Easthampton, MA – The United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) offers funding opportunities to support law enforcement and public safety activities in state, local, and tribal jurisdictions; to assist victims of crime; to provide training and technical assistance; to conduct research; and to implement programs that improve the criminal, civil, and juvenile justice systems. 

In 2022, The USDOJ launched the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Program.  This program is intended to improve 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.

In May 2022, The Easthampton Police Department applied for the LEMHWA grant aiming to hire a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to address the mental health needs of police officers and city employees.  Nationwide, only forty-two applications were awarded, and the Easthampton Police Department was chosen as one of the award recipients!

The new Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator position will be responsible for addressing and responding to the mental health needs of city employees. This individual will plan, coordinate, and implement a range of mental health and wellness activities for city employees and law enforcement personnel that aim to reduce symptoms of stress, vicarious trauma, and burnout. Additionally, the Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator will be responsible for responding to critical incidents in the community as a co-responder with police and coordinating recovery-based supports in the aftermath of a critical incident.