Program Overview

The wellness program’s purpose is to provide wellness assessment of personnel through yearly exams and baseline laboratory work for all Fire District personnel. Additionally, the District’s wellness program includes mental health, rehabilitation, and education elements. The wellness program recognizes the health and wellness of employees as a critical and essential component of fulfilling our mission in providing emergency services to the communities we serve.

Management Oversight

The wellness program is directed by the Division Chief of Training with oversight authority delegated to the Battalion Chief and program coordinator. This program does not have any full-time equivalent employees. This program contains the expenses pertaining to general supplies and equipment purchases, contract services, and overtime for training and program administration.

Goals and Objectives

• Maintain an annual health and wellness screening program for all employees, incorporating the latest technologies and best practices.
• Hire a full-time department therapist to support employee mental health and well-being.
• Provide ongoing education and training to promote physical and emotional health, fostering a healthy lifestyle for all members.
• Offer preventative and rehabilitation support, including education, training, and professional services, at no cost to employees.
• Enhance the Peer Support Program with additional training focused on trauma-informed mental health awareness for first responders.
• Ensure confidentiality of all behavioral, medical, and fitness evaluations, treatments, and services, while taking a proactive approach to support the behavioral wellness of all District members and their families.

FY 2023-24 Accomplishments

• Completed RFP for alternative health screening options and secured a new contract for 2024/25, incorporating advanced technologies like ultrasound screening.
• Provided laboratory screenings and annual exams to all personnel, ensuring comprehensive health assessments.
• Established a network of MFT therapists and psychiatrists for employee mental health support.
• Enhanced Peer Support Program by offering additional training focused on first responder mental health best practices.
• Hosted a Wellness Open House to inform members of all the available resources MPFPD has to offer for wellness.
• Distributed health and wellness resources, including research and relevant topics, and provided annual influenza vaccinations and mental health check-ins by a Licensed Clinician.

FY 2024-25 Program Initiatives

• Establish and maintain an active Peer Support team, with clearly defined roles and leadership structure.
• Provide resiliency training to 24 members and ensure 18 members meet current post-certified Peer Support standards.
• Train 9 members to the ICISF standard of CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) and specialize team members in areas like substance abuse, crisis management, and workers' compensation.
• Train the Program Manager and Coordinator to effectively manage the Wellness Program, incorporating the 8 Dimensions of Wellness.
• Conduct yearly 30-minute mental health check-ins for all District members with a certified clinician, alongside quarterly 60-minute wellness education sessions.
• Provide ongoing support through tools, equipment, and annual laboratory screenings to promote overall health and wellness for all personnel.