HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 20 - First Responder Wellness MEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER
MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
SUBJECT: F1 RST Responder Wellness Check
RECOMMENDATION: City Council to consider the funding approval to F1 RST for providing
wellness checks to First Responders with one-on-one training related to
signs, effects, and tools to address cumulative trauma exposure.
FUNDING SOURCE: Funds are available in General Fund for a total amount not to exceed
$22,250.
BACKGROUND: This agreement provides for mental health wellness check sessions for
Police Department employees.
The session is a 30-minute confidential service provided by one of
F1 RST's therapists. Wellness checks are not a therapy session or a
fitness for duty evaluation, but an opportunity to build an understanding of
the impact of the job while strengthening skill sets that promote quality
relationships, health, and longevity. Topics covered may include 1) an
overview of how repeated stress exposure can impact a First Responder
and his/her family members, 2) address any specific concerns of the First
Responder, and 3) offer evidence-based tools for trauma exposure and
stress management while fostering intentional goal setting. The therapist
will also share how to access the comprehensive services of F1 RST for
continued care of the individual and his/her family members.
The Department has utilized F1 RST previously for several different mental
health related services for employees including resiliency training
sessions, critical incident debriefs, and couples training sessions to deal
with the unique effects that first responder careers have on relationships.
Staff recommends approval.
WHAT IS A WELLNESS CHECK?
A wellness check is a 30-minute confidential service provided by one of FIRST's culturally competent therapists.
Wellness checks are not a therapy session or a fitness for duty evaluation,but an opportunity to build an understanding of
the impact of the job while strengthening skill sets that promote quality relationships,health, and longevity. Topics
covered may include 1)an overview of how repeated stress exposure can impact a First Responder and his/her family
members,2)address any specific concerns of the First Responder, and 3)offer evidence-based tools for trauma exposure
and stress management while fostering intentional goal setting. The therapist will also share how to access the
comprehensive services of FIRST for continued care of the individual and his/her family members.
ARE WELLNESS CHECKS CONFIDENTIAL?
Your department does not have access to any details of your wellness check. The few exceptions to maintaining
confidentiality are when there is imminent threat due to suicidal or homicidal ideations, and/or report or reasonable
suspicion of child, elder, or dependent abuse. Under these circumstances, it is still not required to involve the Department,
but the therapist will work with the individual to create an action plan to ensure safety of all parties involved. FIRST
takes confidentiality extremely seriously to ensure a safe,protected, and respectful experience while also preserving
credibility of our program.
WHAT'S THE PROCESS?
Location of wellness checks vary,but are typically held at your station. FIRST has created a Signup Genius for wellness
checks,which has been sent out to your Department. The Signup Genius provides timeslots for you to sign up for a
wellness check. FIRST will then send you three assessment forms via our internal system, Simple Practice,which take
only a few minutes to complete. It is imperative that you complete these forms prior to your wellness check as it helps the
therapist focus on areas of concern. Since wellness checks are often scheduled back-to-back,please make sure that you
are at your assigned appointment 5 minutes early.
Please note your therapist may have a masters or doctorate level student shadowing the wellness check. FIRST prides
itself in fostering cultural competence in new therapists for future support of First Responders and their families through
our program.
Should you need to cancel or reschedule your wellness check,please cancel your wellness check appointment on the
Signup Genius by accessing the email confirmation sent to you by Signup Genius, and clicking on"Edit my sign up"and
click"delete". You will then confirm the deletion of your sign up. This will enable you to sign up for another wellness
check timeslot. To get signed up for another wellness check date and time,you'll need to access the Signup Genius and
register for another timeslot. To avoid multiple signups,please only sign up for one wellness check. For any questions or
concerns,or for cancelations less than 24 hours prior to your scheduled wellness check,please don't hesitate to reach out
to Noel at NoelkF1RST.org or call/text 469.648.0230.We ask that cancellations are communicated 24 hours prior to
your scheduled appointment.
The FIRST team looks forward to supporting you and we thank you for your service.
Heather Twedell,PsyD
CEO/Founder FIRST
First Responder Psychologist