International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
By Iva Rody, M.A., ICISF Member
Programs Manager, 100 Club of Arizona
It is no secret that today’s climate presents overwhelming challenges for law enforcement, and quite candidly public safety as a whole. The trials of the pandemic and perpetuating anti-police movement have added another layer to the already compounding stress of the job. This further intensifies the impact of cumulative stress and critical incident exposures that continue taking a considerable toll on our first responders.
Now more than ever, there is a critical need for robust first responder wellness programs that include well-trained peer support teams with the tools necessary to be effective. Given the ever-present decrease in funding for departments, how do we accomplish this? How can we make it a priority? How do these needs compare to other public safety concerns that may be getting prioritized? Police and fire departments regularly face budget constraints, competing priorities and increased needs of personnel. This makes for an extremely difficult and, at times, impossible situation.
In Arizona, one nonprofit has engaged solutions. The 100 Club of Arizona is a statewide non-profit that aims to support Arizona public safety in a multitude of ways. From providing financial support to families of the fallen, to an expansion of assistance programs that support the emotional and psychological wellbeing of first responders, the organization “stands behind the men and women who stand behind the badge”. To accomplish their mission, 100 Club works closely with public safety agencies across to the state to assess their needs and identify ways in which they can help fill in the gaps. In response to the exceptional needs this year has generated, the 100 Club has engaged innovative approaches to serving first responders that include the purchase of critical PPE, funding for wellness checkups, no-cost virtual training, enhanced wellness programs and more. These would not have been possible without established partnerships with public safety and other agencies. This article highlights two examples of how 100 Club partnerships have proven valuable in improving first responder wellness across the state.
In early 2020, The 100 Club of Arizona launched no-cost Mobile Wellness Apps for Arizona public safety agencies. The mobile apps, Bulletproof and Fireproof, were carefully designed to serve as a confidential, private, and anonymous initiative that provides public safety personnel, professional staff and their families with vital health and wellness resources. Through this initiative, the 100 Club committed to supporting and assisting the partnering agencies in their efforts to promote wellness. The apps offer departments the ability to customize information to include their internal wellness program information. While not an initial part of the development, it was quickly identified that the apps serve as a toolbox for peer support members, who no longer need to grab clipboards or pamphlets. As an in-hand, on demand tool, the apps ensure that peer support members are always prepared. Enhancements planned for 2021, include the addition of a specialized Peer Support Portal. This specialized section is intended to provide peer support members access to key resources, tools, and communication outlets to better support team members in their role.
Within the first eight months of the program launch, 100 Club has seen tremendous success with the onboarding over 120 Arizona public safety agencies and served as the catalyst for expansion of the program to a national platform through Lighthouse Health & Wellness.
In the wake of the COVID19 Pandemic, 100 Club discovered another area to further support the individual wellness needs of Arizona’s first responders by enhancing availability of CISM training for new, developing, and growing public safety peer support teams. Many departments have been struggling to onboard new team members due to several limitations. This included lack of funding, minimal training opportunities available and distance to in-person courses.
To address these challenges, the 100 Club collaborated with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) to establish a partnership aimed at significantly enhancing access to CISM training through the ICISF’s new asynchronous online platform. As a result, Arizona public safety personnel can now register with the 100 Club to be enrolled in the ICISF asynchronous courses Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention at no-cost. The 100 Club sponsorship of ICISF courses that allow attendees to work at their own pace in an online environment breaks down barriers for agencies of all sizes and regions across the state. It immediately removes the burden of competing priorities, budget deficits, staffing concerns and proximity to training. Since partnering with the ICISF in August 2020, the 100 Club has sponsored over 120 courses for Arizona’s peer support members.
Both the Wellness Mobile Apps and ICISF Trainings highlight the valuable role partnerships play. First responder wellness can have a significant impact on the ability for public safety personnel to effectively serve their community. Building synergistic partnerships between public safety, nonprofits and other partners creates mutually beneficial, healthy relationships. Finding common ground and working together to engage support at the individual level can promote first responder wellness, positively contribute to public service, and lay a foundation for a vibrant community.
Critical support for 100 Club programs comes from the generous financial support of The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, 100 Club members and many other financial donors.
More about The 100 Club of Arizona: The mission of The 100 Club of Arizona is to provide financial assistance to families of first responders who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty and provide resources to enhance their safety and welfare. The 100 Club of Arizona has proudly served the public safety community since 1968. Additional information about the history, assistance and programs can be found by visiting www.100club.org and information about the wellness programs can be found at www.100club.org/wellness. For questions, please email [email protected].
About The Author: Throughout her career, Iva Rody has served as an advocate in both government and private sectors. Currently, she serves as the Programs Manager for the 100 Club of Arizona where she leads solutions-based programming for the first responder community. In this role, she emphasizes the importance of holistic wellness for public safety personnel and engaging innovative technology that promotes access to critical resources. Mrs. Rody has a Bachelor of Science, Master of Administration. She has successfully developed multiple law enforcement & community programs. She is regularly called upon to provide training on current best practices in Officer Wellness, Mental Health, Crisis Intervention, & Advocacy. Additionally, Ms. Rody serves as a Board Member for the National Center for Prevention of Community Violence, Warrior’s Rest Foundation and Academy Hour and can be reached at [email protected].
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