WASHINGTON CO. ORGANIZATION CARES FOR MENTAL HEALTH OF LOCAL FIRST RESPONDERS

  

A nonprofit organization is devoting itself to ensuring the mental health of Washington County emergency responders does not go untreated.

At today’s (Tuesday) county commissioners meeting, Mark Pennybacker, president of the Washington County First Responder Association, talked about the background of the group as it marks its one-year anniversary and what it does to provide emotional support for law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics and dispatchers recovering from traumatic experiences. 

Pennybacker said the “responder” in the organization’s name is singular for a reason: it is to signify that the group is here to support each and every individual first responder.

The organization is made up of 16 volunteers, including mental health professionals, chaplains and fellow first responders who form a critical incident stress management team that is certified by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and is available at all times of the year. 

The team conducts peer-based intervention in the aftermath of a critical incident event, such as a major car crash or threatening police standoff.  The group seeks to provide emotional release and guide individuals to further care if needed. 

Pennybacker said the chance of a first responder taking their own life is greater than them being killed in their line of duty.  He said there are many times that barriers prevent first responders from getting help, including the stigma of being perceived as “weak.”  This group, he said, is meant to knock down those barriers. 

After Pennybacker’s presentation, commissioners thanked him for the services provided by the organization, with Commissioner Candice Bullock saying the mental health of first responders is “absolutely critical.”  Commissioner Kirk Hanath said the group is bringing “a human element” to a field where many people forget it exists.

Also in court today, commissioners tabled action on the county’s inmate healthcare services agreement with CorrHealth.  Commissioners will bring back the item at a future date to further discuss potential cost increases for services due to inflation. 

In other business, commissioners:

• Approved the county’s election services contracts with the City of Brenham, Brenham ISD, City of Burton, Burton ISD, Blinn College District and Giddings ISD for the May 6^th election.
• Approved a final plat for the Childress Ranch Estates subdivision, a 115.41 acre private subdivision consisting of 45 lots on FM 1155 East in Precinct 1.
• Heard various monthly and quarterly reports from the sheriff’s office, economic development, county and district clerks, justices of the peace, auditor, tax assessor-collector, treasurer, constables, elections and veterans service officer.