UCF Medical Leader Partners with Law Enforcement for Mental Health

Mental health support for law enforcement is gaining critical attention as the Orange County Sheriff’s Office collaborates with a prominent figure from the UCF College of Medicine. Marcy Verduin, associate dean and professor of psychiatry, is spearheading a mental health initiative called Always Ready for the Road Ahead, aimed at addressing the alarming rates of suicide among law enforcement officers. This partnership reflects a growing recognition of the mental health challenges that officers face daily.

The initiative was prompted by the tragic suicides of two members of the sheriff’s office, including a well-regarded lieutenant who had shown no outward signs of distress. Following these events, the sheriff’s office reached out to Verduin to create a program that could help support its approximately 3,000 sworn and civilian employees. “The employees of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office work in challenging environments, even risking their lives to make our community safe,” Verduin stated. “This is a way of giving back to them as a thank you for the incredible work they do and helping them be more prepared to face the challenges inherent in their day-to-day work.”

Addressing Mental Health Challenges in Law Enforcement

The program consists of a two-part mental health guidance strategy designed specifically for law enforcement. As Major Reginald Hosey, who leads human resources for the sheriff’s office, explained, the aim is to be proactive. “We want to be at our best at home, in the field, as a friend, as a spouse, as a parent,” he said. Participation in the program is mandatory, with Sheriff John Mina attending sessions to underscore the importance of the initiative.

The foundation of the program emerged from a collaboration between Verduin and Rev. Keith Tower of HighPoint Church in Orlando. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tower observed an increase in mental health issues among church members and organized the Every Nation Church Conference in 2021. The conference focused on the emotional toll of the pandemic on clergy and congregants, attracting 500 attendees to hear Verduin speak on mental health.

This successful conference prompted requests from various groups worldwide for discussions on mental health and the stigma surrounding it. The sheriff’s office recognized the potential of the program and engaged Verduin and Tower to tailor it specifically for law enforcement personnel.

Building Resilience Through Personal Stories

During the sessions, Tower captivates the audience with personal anecdotes that illustrate the psychological pressures faced by those in high-stress roles. One such story involves his time as a professional basketball player before becoming a pastor and mental health counselor. Tower recalls a crucial moment during a game when he missed a free throw that would have rewarded thousands of fans with free Big Macs. The moment serves as a metaphor for the unforeseen pressures that can affect performance, even for the most trained individuals.

Verduin emphasizes that mental health challenges are not simply a sign of weakness but rather complex conditions that can affect anyone. She compares mental health to physical health, explaining that just as the body can suffer from diseases, so too can the brain. “You can’t ask your pancreas to make more insulin if you are a diabetic, as much as you can’t say ‘don’t be depressed,’” she noted.

Through the program, Verduin and Tower aim to equip law enforcement personnel with strategies to manage stress and enhance coping skills. Participants are encouraged to start with small, achievable goals to improve their mental and physical resilience. For example, they might commit to walking to the end of the block each day, gradually increasing their activity level.

The program promotes active learning, with participants pairing up to select three new coping strategies to try over the following month. This interactive element fosters accountability and encourages ongoing conversation about mental health within the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Mina has expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “There is nothing more important to me than the physical and emotional well-being of our Orange County Sheriff’s Office family.” He believes that the partnership with the UCF College of Medicine has provided essential training and tools for personnel to build resilience, both personally and professionally.

As the program continues, it is hoped that it will not only benefit the officers involved but also contribute to a broader shift in how mental health is perceived within law enforcement. The emphasis on open dialogue and proactive strategies may pave the way for a more supportive environment, where mental health challenges can be addressed without stigma.