HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCES

The TMPA Officer Wellness Program is coordinated by Legislative Liaison, Bryan Flatt. Not only is he a law enforcement instructor, Bryan is also certified in individual and group peer support. Bryan is also Chaplain for the Texas State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, serves on the National FOP chaplain advisory committee and serves as the chairperson for the Texas FOP wellness committee.
Bryan can be reached at the State Office, or via email.


CRISIS HOTLINES

Copline: International Law Enforcement Officers' Hotline | AN OFFICER'S LIFELINE

“Cops understand Cops. We’ve been exposed to similar situations in our careers. Whether you’re active duty or retired and feel like no one understands what you're going through, we want to answer your CALL.”

CopLine has earned the trust of the Law Enforcement community by providing peer listening through a hotline by maintaining complete confidentiality as well as anonymity if the caller chooses. We train competent, confident, committed, and compassionate retired officers to engage with callers on the daily stressors officers and their family members experience.
www.copline.org

1-800-COPLINE
1-800-2675463


Crisis Text Line

How It Works: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment

www.crisistextline.org
Text HOME to 471471


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
www.suicidepreventionhotline.org
1-800-273-8255


First Responder Helpline

The Heroes Helpline is a free, confidential service implemented to help first responders across Texas who may be experiencing symptoms of mental health or substance use disorders. We provide a brief telephone-based screening and referral intervention to assist individuals overcome barriers to substance use disorders or mental health disorders by navigating them to treatment and recovery.
Call 833-367-4689


PEER SUPPORT


Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network (TLEPN)

The Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network is a completely anonymous resource you can take advantage of now or whenever you feel you need to speak with someone. The Peers are all current law enforcement officers from Texas and have been trained for just this purpose. They are here for you for as long as you need them.

Email the TLEPN Team
Program information phone: (972)-338-1314


"That Peer Support Couple"

As seen in the documentary, "Officer Involved", Cathy & Javier's mission is providing peer support for first responders and their families. They are recognized national speakers on various first responder mental health topics.

In addition to telling their own personal story Cathy and Javier have specific topics they wish to stress upon the First Responder community: Building Family Bonds, Career Survival, Dealing with Trauma, Mindfulness, Resiliency, Stress Management, Self Care, Suicide Education & Prevention, Wellness, Leadership in Times of Crisis, Officer Involved Shootings.
Email Cathy and Javier Bustos
512-574-0801 (Javier)
512-574-0802 (Cathy)


Bless the Badge - Ministry for Law Enforcement, Ministry by Law Enforcement

Our mission is to equip law enforcement officers and their families learn to thrive in our unique police life not just survive it. Through 30 yrs of street patrol, and 30 years of marriage experience we have learned how to successfully navigate “the life”. Our goal is to provide free Tactical Relationship Training, biblical counseling, events, conferences, and retreats to officers and their families. We never charge to speak at any event, nor do we charge any fees for individual or couple counseling. We are a 501c3 organization and we depend upon donations to help us reach our home front Heroes.
blessthebadge.net


Senior Chaplain David Kirk - San Antonio

Chaplain David Kirk is a Senior Chaplain, International Conference of Police Chaplains, the Texas State Rep for the National Police Suicide Foundation, South Texas Chapter Trustee for COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors), and the coordinator for the Alamo Area 1st Responder CISM Team.
Email Chaplain David Kirk
(210)-508-0932


Senior Chaplain Clif Cummings

Chaplain Clif Cummings has his ICPC Master Chaplain and Instructor credentials, CISM certification, and is an approved instructor for assisting individuals in crisis and group crisis intervention
Contact Chaplain Clif Cummings at (832)-580-9252


CRITICAL INCIDENT SUPPORT

Bill Blackwood LEMIT -- Post Critical Incident Seminar (PCIS)

The Overall Goal of the Post Critical Incident Seminar: turning vulnerability into strength through learning, utilizing and offering peer support.

This is an experiential workshop for officers who have "been there." Despite the best support immediately following a critical incident, there can be long lasting effects. Going through a critical incident is like crossing a fence, with no opportunity to jump back. A critical incident can rupture an officer's basic worldview. You are vulnerable and have to emotionally come to grips with a reality that the uninitiated cannot understand. The job, the street, and one's weapon are perceived differently. The PCIS will provide education on trauma, patterns of resolution, and field-tested coping strategies to promote recovery and resilience. Peer support is an important element of the PCIS. Discussion of incidents with fellow officers who have "been there" promotes normalization and recovery. This format has been in use by the FBI since 1985.

Offered only to first-responders and tele-communicators who have been through highly traumatic events, the PCIS can mean the difference between staying on the job or leaving law enforcement for another profession due to the unresolved and unexamined effects of critical incident stress. What will I get out of this? An opportunity to share one's experience with one's peers, give and receive support, sessions with law enforcement related mental health professionals utilizing proven trauma recovery methods, and learn coping strategies that will enable recovery from past critical incidents and strengthen one's ability to deal with future incidents. There is no registration fee for the seminar. Participating departments and agencies will cover the costs of meals and lodging.
Learn more about PCIS seminars


PROVIDERS

Warriors Heart

Addiction and Chemical Dependency & PTSD Treatment for Active Military, Veterans, and First Responders


Tania Glenn and Associates, PA

Central Texas: Tania Glenn’s Practice is solely dedicated to providing the best possible care, and to restoring the resilience of first responders, veterans, and their family members. Tania and her team strive to provide the best and most effective care for clients through proven counseling and consultation techniques for patients experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety and mood disorders, family/relationship issues, stress, trauma, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).


Kelly M. McCabe LPC-S, LMFT-S, PLLC

Central Texas


Boudreaux 2.0 Counseling & Consulting

Houston Area: We help those in crisis or recovering from traumatic incidents. We are trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), an effective method for resolving traumatic events.
Tammy J. Boudreaux, LCSW - (832) 527-2806

Laura Boudreaux, LPC, NCC – (832) 971-1057


Steve Bell, LPC

DFW Area


CLF HelpLine for Law Enforcement & First Responders

The CLF HelpLine is a free, personalized service for current and former law enforcement officers and first responders fighting long-term symptoms of concussion, suspected CTE, or related neurological disorders associated with exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHI). CLF provides connections to vetted medical and mental health professionals with the expertise needed to coordinate your care. CLF also offers online support groups, 1-on-1 peer support matches, and educational resources. Patients, spouses, and families can access support through the confidential CLF HelpLine form linked below. Our team will respond within 3 business days by email, text, or scheduled phone appointments according to your preferences.


New Solutions Counseling, PLLC | Jason Allen, MA, LPC

DFW area: Jason Allen is a Licensed Professional Counselor focusing on trauma counseling, individual and marriage/family relationships. As a former police officer and military veteran, Jason brings a unique blend to the therapeutic process and his understanding of trauma and struggles clients go through. Jason also has several professional certifications including Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) –Master ART Clinician, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Jason works with Local and Federal Agencies throughout the DFW Metroplex.



WELLNESS APPS

Lighthouse Health and Wellness

Lighthouse Health & Wellness is an in-hand, on-demand, 100% confidential health and wellness platform available at no cost to our nation’s public safety agencies. Most importantly, front and center is 24/7/365 access to first responder-focused crisis hotlines and resources to ensure that help is just a phone call away. Lighthouse Health & Wellness community pledges to foster the discovery, development, and distribution of health and wellness tools, information, and initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by first responders and those who support them. Visit Lighthouse Health and Wellness HERE.


 

CordicoShield

CordoShield is an on-demand, in-hand, 24/7 confidential support officer wellness app that provides access to critical mental health information and resources to help those on the front lines best take care of themselves and ensure they are best prepared to serve and protect. CordicoShield Wellness tools include: Chaplain Support, Family Support, Stress Management, Retirement: Getting Prepared, and MORE! Visit CordicoShield HERE.



CRI TAC Collaborative Reform Initiative

The Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC) program provides critical and tailored technical assistance resources to state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies on a wide variety of topics. CRI-TAC features a “by the field, for the field” approach while delivering individualized technical assistance using leading experts in a range of public safety, crime reduction, and community policing topics. CRI-TAC is a public service and offered at no-cost to your agency. Visit CRI-TAC HERE.


 


CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, & TRAININGS

1st Responder Conferences

Health and Wellness training for Everyday Heroes


Labor Relations Information Systems -- LRIS

Health and Wellness Programs for Public Safety Agencies


PORAC-- Peer Support

Why is a PEER Support team important? How do I create one for my department? Who should be on a PST? How do I fund it? I have a PST now how do I manage it? PORAC instructors will guide you through this process, answering all your questions, and providing resources you would have never thought of on your own.
This 1-day course will take place on September 1, 2021 at PORAC Headquarters in Sacramento, CA.


Substance Use Disorder in the First Responder Workforce

This free, online training module is designed to raise awareness of the importance of recognizing and treating problematic drug and alcohol use (or, substance use) within the first responder workforce. Emergency medical services (EMS), fire, and police all experience occupational stressors that increase their risk of developing substance use and mental health disorders. This course will teach First Responders to identify, evaluate, and seek help for substance use and other mental health disorders in themselves and others.


F1RST - First Responder Stress & Trauma

F1RST is a comprehensive wellness program addressing the impact of repeated stress exposure on a public servant's overall health, performance, and relationships We have created a multidisciplinary team which consists of a first responder psychologist, culturally competent mental health providers, physical and manual therapists, human performance and cognitive specialists, exercise physiologists, a research team, and registered dieticians..

F1RST believes in taking a proactive approach to health through agency wide skills trainings, injury mitigation, comprehensive debriefings, couples' workshops/retreats, performance diagnostics and more. F1RST offers couples' and individual sessions in-person and telehealth through a HIPAA compliant platform for the first responder, his/her spouse, and their children. F1RST accepts all major insurance and most EAP providers. We are already working with Department of Justice Bureaus and many municipal departments to provide the highest quality of comprehensive wellness.

 


OTHER RESOURCES

Concerns of Police Survivors -- C.O.P.S.

Each year, between 140 and 160 officers die in the line of duty and their families and co-workers are left to cope. C.O.P.S. provides resources to help them rebuild their shattered lives. There is no membership fee to join C.O.P.S., for the price paid is already too high.
C.O.P.S. programs for survivors include the National Police Survivors' Conference held each May during National Police Week, scholarships, peer-support at the national, state, and local levels, "C.O.P.S. Kids" counseling reimbursement program, the "C.O.P.S. Kids" Summer Camp, "C.O.P.S. Teens" Outward Bound Adventure for young adults, special retreats for spouses, parents, siblings, adult children, extended family, and co-workers, trial and parole support, and other assistance programs.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.
Metroplex C.O.P.S.
South Texas C.O.P.S.


Blue H.E.L.P.

Honoring the Service of Law Enforcement Officers Who Died by Suicide.
Offering comfort and honor to the families who have lost an officer to suicide is necessary to maintain the credibility of the thin blue line. All officers, regardless of method of death, deserve thanks; all families deserve your support.


TMPA COVID-19 News

COPS, WORKER’S COMP AND THE COVID-19 | By Executive Director Kevin Lawrence

 

We know you all have questions about what to do during this crisis, pandemic, bedlam that we all find ourselves addressing. As has been pointed out so eloquently, cops cannot shelter in place and most of you are not being provided with the necessary equipment, supplies and tools to protect yourselves. Click here.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have COVID-19 work-related questions? We have answers. Click here.



Information for Employers/Employees

EEOC Confirms That Employers Can Require Vaccination

Essentially, the EEOC has said all employers can require mandatory vaccines as long the employer: (i) allows employees to receive the vaccine from a third party that does not have a contract with the employer, and (ii) follows accommodation requirements under the ADA and Title VII.Click here.


OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

 

This document from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides practical guidance for employers for preventing the spread of COVID-19. It address safe work practices and appropriate personal protective equipment based on the risk level of exposure. Click here.

DOL Fact Sheet: Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Employee Paid Leave Rights

DOL has issued information for employees in response to the Families First Act including new paid leave requirements that employers must follow. This resource is helpful for employees to understand their rights. Click here.

DOL Fact Sheet: Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Employer Paid Leave Requirements

DOL has issued information for employers in response to the Families First Act including new paid leave requirements. This resource is helpful for employers to understand their requirements. Click here.

Employment and Training Administration Unemployment Insurance Program Letter

DOL announced the publication of Unemployment Insurance Program Letter accessible via the link provided herein, outlining relevant provisions of the CARES Act related to the administration and eligibility criteria for state unemployment insurance programs. Additionally, please see a summary of programs for relief for workers affected by the CARES Act. Click here.

Employment and Training Administration Guidance on Unemployment Compensation Program

DOL issued guidance to states as them implements the CARES Act and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program (PEUC). PEUC provides up to 13 weeks of federally funded benefits to qualified individuals. Click here.

U.S. EEOC: Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the ADA

The EEOC has provided guidance that can help employers implement strategies to navigate the impact of COVID-19 in the workplace. Note, the EEO laws, including the ADA and Rehabilitation Act, continue to apply during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here.


Information for Law Enforcement

COVID-19 Law Enforcement Impact Dashboards

The National Police Foundation, in collaboration with the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation, and Esri, has developed a real-time COVID-19 situational awareness tool for law enforcement agencies. The tool monitors the impact of COVID-19 on first responders. Click here.

Department of Homeland Security Information for First Responders

The Department of Homeland Security issued the information accessible via the link provided herein, intended to support first responders’ efforts to provide the best possible service to their team and community in the midst of a pandemic. Click here.

Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program

The guidance document accessible via the link provided herein states that the Bureau of Justice Assistance will, “in general,” find that an office contracted COVID-19 in the line of duty. This new guidance from DOJ provides that law enforcement and other first responders who die of COVID-19 and file a claim from the Public Safety Officers’ Benefit program will be eligible for death benefits in most cases. Click here.

Department of Health and Human Services: COVID-19 and HIPAA

The Department of Health and Human Services published guidance accessible via the link provided herein regarding disclosures to law enforcement, paramedics, other first responders and public health authorities. Click here.

CDC Guidance to Law Enforcement

The CDC issued the Fact Sheet accessible via the link provided herein specifically for law enforcement personnel. Click here.

IACP General Fact Sheet for Law Enforcement

The IACP issued the Fact Sheet accessible via the link provided herein specifically for law enforcement personnel. Click here.

CDC Strategies to Optimize the Supply of PPE and Equipment

The CDC issued helpful strategies to consider to optimize the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). Click here.

CDC Interim Guidance on Management of COVID-19 in Correctional and Detention Facilities

The CDC issued the Guidance providing information for correctional facilities and detention centers to ensure the continuation of essential public services and protection of the health and safety of incarcerated and detained persons, staff, and visitors. Click here.

IACP Guidance on “Staying Healthy as a Police Officer”

The IACP issued the fact sheet accessible via the link provided herein. Included is a sample reporting form for departmental use. Click here.

IACP Guidance for Law Enforcement Families

The IACP issued healthy practices for families of law enforcement personnel. Click here.

Police Executive Research Forum

PERF developed the page accessible via the link provided herein with up-to-date resources, including daily reports, for law enforcement and agencies responding to COVID-19. Click here.

SAMPLE Officer Exposure Plan

Developed by the Dallas Police Department, the plan accessible via the link provided herein can be modified to fit the needs of any department. Click here.

SAMPLE COVID-19 Critical Decision-Making Model

Developed by the Burlington, North Carolina Police Department using the same structure as the standard CDM. Click here.



OTHER RESOURCES

How to Properly Wash Your Hands