WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — As conversations are changing around the mental health of police officers, the Winston-Salem Police Department has brought on the first-ever wellness advocate to work with the more than 470 sworn officers and staff.
The conversations are changing in the Winston-Salem Police Department.
Through a grant from the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program, WSPD has brought on a wellness advocate for the first time ever.
“There has definitely been a culture shift. We do have a younger generation of police officers coming through. With the stigma being less and less, and with the support of our leadership, mental health and all the things are being talked about more, and they are asking for those things,” said Wellness Advocate with WSPD, Kendra Buick.
Buick started in May and hit the ground running to address mental wellness.
“So we do one-on-one coaching. I provide them with resources and give them opportunities to reach out to other members of the community for those resources,” said Buick.
Along with physical wellbeing, starting with nutrition.
“We’re running a nutrition series, so it’s a workshop, a three-day workshop that kind of teaches them how to boost their metabolism,” said Buick.
As well as helping officers address physical fitness.
“We’re starting a functional strength class here, so that’s going to take place three times a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays,” said Buick.
According to Police One statistics, one in four officers experiences PTSD, anxiety, or depression during their careers.
“In return, our officers are out all hours of the night, so it’s important that we pour back into them, and with that being said, it pours back into the community because they are better able to serve,” said Buick.
As the department continues to grow, Buick says she plans to build a team of resources from councilors, leadership trainings, and ultimately make a difference from the time an officer is sworn in to the day they retire.
