Submitted by: Jay Joyner
Submitting Department: Human Resources
Agenda Section: Consent
Item Title:
title
Police Department Mental Wellness Check-in Initiative Contract Awards
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the Mayor and Council authorize the City Administrator to execute a contract for services with the Institute for Healing, and Nakieta Lankster, PsyD, in an amount not to exceed $24,000 annually to conduct quarterly mental wellness check-ins for City of Hyattsville Police Department sworn and non-sworn staff. Award of the contract is subject to legal review and approval by the City attorney for legal sufficiency. This service is part of a grant and the cost is funded in the current Hyattsville FY22 DOJ COPS Mental Health Grant Award (LEMHWA) in the amount of $118,800.
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Summary Background:
HCPD Mental Wellness Check-in Program Clinician Selection
On May 1, 2023, the City posted a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Police Mental Wellness Check-in Initiative Program and on July 5, 2023, four proposals were received. After the interview process the panel selected two companies, The Institute for Healing, and Nakieta Lankster, PsyD. Both vendors are in Maryland. As other qualified vendors become available, the administration will seek approval to expand the provider group.
The Hyattsville City Police Department (HCPD) Mental Wellness Check-in Initiative is required for all HCPD officers and dispatchers, and consists of quarterly, one-on-one virtual meetings with licensed clinical psychologists who have experience working with first responders. This initiative will not be used for fitness-for-duty assessments. These confidential 55-minute sessions are designed to support the mental wellbeing of the City's first responders. Sessions will include clinical and psycho-educational coaching, and when needed, talk therapy. Check-in sessions will be free of charge to the participants. Discussion between participants and practitioners will not be reported to the City or HCPD staff unless a participant is deemed a danger to themself or to others. The initiative is slated to begin later this month.
Next Steps:
Proceed with a contract with both vendors upon legal review.
Fiscal Impact:
$24,000.00.
City Administrator Comments:
Recommends approval. This program is widely lauded by the participants and is being adopted by other departments across the Country.
Community Engagement:
N/A
Strategic Goals:
Goal 4 - Foster Excellence in all City Operations
Legal Review Required?
Pending