FLINT, Mich. – Genesee Health System is providing free and confidential mental health support to law enforcement officers in the county, aiming to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Kailey Baker, manager of criminal justice diversion with Genesee Health System, emphasized the importance of removing barriers to support. “We talk about how they can manage their own mental health, especially with all of the statistics for first responders with mental health,” she said.
Baker noted the positive impact of the program, with officers reaching out for support and referring others. The program’s success was evident after the Grand Blanc Township church attack, where support was provided to responders for weeks.
Dr. Arash Javanbakht, a researcher at Wayne State University, highlighted the stigma in law enforcement, noting the challenges of being perceived as tough and a problem solver.
He explained, “Exposure to stress and trauma is very high. And it’s beyond what a human can a lot of times tolerate.”
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