First Responder Mental Health Resources Grant

First Responder Mental Health Resources Grant is sponsored by Utah Department of Public Safety. This state-funded grant provides funds for Utah First Responder Agencies to establish or improve mental health resources for first responders, as outlined in Utah Code §53-21-103.

First Responder Mental Health Resources Grant | Department of Public Safety Mental Health Resources Grant Supporting Our First Responders Application Review Process Frequently Asked Questions About the Mental Health Resources Grant First Responder Mental Health Resources Grant funds are available for Utah First Responder Agencies to provide or improve mental health resources for First Responders under Utah Code §53-21-103 through the Department of Public Safety.

This grant is a one-time opportunity to be utilized within one year. This grant opportunity is open until state funds are expended. 1.

Regular periodic screenings for all employees within the first responder agency; 2. Assessments and availability to mental health services for: Personnel directly involved in a critical incident within 48 hours of the incident; and Outpatient mental health treatment provided by a mental health therapist; and 3. Peer support resources provided by qualified peer support specialists.

Funding cannot be used to supplant or replace funding for an existing program. These funds are to be used during one year, and sustainability of the proposed plan in future years will be considered. All access and services will be kept confidential.

Grant Application Guidelines The application requires the following information.

Description of proposed program and/or expansion, including: Description of services to be provided with grant funds; Budget: cost of proposed program with breakdown of expenses; Expected number of first responders, spouses and children, and retirees or separated first responders to be served with the new resources; Explanation of how the proposed program will ensure timely and effective mental health resource and its expected impact; and Sustainability of this program after grant funding is expended.

For those with existing mental health programs: Description of current program and costs; Number of first responders currently served, and How the new resources will be in addition to the existing This grant opportunity is open until state funds are expended. Who can apply: A Utah First Responder Agency or a group of first responder agencies may jointly apply.

The group shall designate one first responder agency as the lead agency who will be responsible for applying, oversight, and reporting on behalf of the group. Mental health providers requirements: Mental health providers contracted or employed by the first responder agency are to have training and experience working with first responders.

Preserving records: Agencies will maintain records for five years sufficient to show how the funding is used. Working with the Grant Funding Committee: Agencies will cooperate with the grant funding committee if and when the committee determines it is necessary to audit agency records or evaluate the use of the funding.

Quarterly reports will be required , which include: The types of services provided; The number of first responders, family members, and retired first responders served; and The amount of grant funding expended Application Review Process Who is reviewing the Grants: The Department of Public Safety has formed a Mental Health Resources for First Responders Grant Funding Committee composed of individuals representing various organizations throughout the first responder community.

Evaluating Grants: The committee shall assist the department in reviewing applications and recommending grant award amounts. Applications are evaluated based on the requirements of Utah Code §53-21-103. When are grants reviews and awards given: The committee meets quarterly to review and award funding.

Please send questions to: Any questions may be sent to dps [email protected] . Mental Health Services Grant Frequently asked questions Still have questions about the First Responders Mental Health Resources Grant?

The following section will provide additional details on topics such as: Who is considered a first responder: A law enforcement officer An emergency medical technician, An advanced emergency medical technician, A special function officer employed by a local sheriff, A search and rescue worker under the supervision of a local sheriff; A forensic interviewer or victim advocate employed by a children's justice center; A credentialed criminal justice system victim advocate who responds to incidents with a law enforcement officer; A crime scene investigator technician; A wildland firefighter; or A investigator or prosecutor of cases involving sexual crimes against children.

A civilian employee who has been authorized to view or access information concerning crimes, accidents, or other traumatic events How many years or times can we apply: This is currently a one year, one time grant. It is to help you start a mental health program if you don’t already have one in place or to expand on the resources you currently have. We already have a mental health program in place.

How can we utilize this grant: Funding can be used to expand your current program to meet legislative requirements: Reach families and retirees not previously covered in current program Offer resources not currently available to your first responders Try a new program component to compliment what your currently offering Technology for mental health Mandatory wellness checks What happens after one year funded: You will need to consider how to internally sustain this program or something similar once you have expended the grant funds.

What is allowable for the grant: Mental health programs, external mental health providers, technology directly related to providing screening, mental health resources, and peer support and/or training, mental health related classes.

What is not allowable for the grant: Items not directly related to the intent of the grant, which is to provide screening, mental health resources, and peer support for first responders, retirees, and families.

Examples of unallowable items: fidget spinners, exercise equipment, travel expenses for a mental health conference, get-togethers, K-9 dogs, facilities, sound proofing, retreats, meals, gatherings or celebrations, incentives, IDC/F&A, What reporting will be required: A quarterly report will be due by the 20th day after the quarter’s end Reporting is required until grant funds are fully expended Reporting will include performance measures, such as Number of first responders impacted by funds that quarter Number of retirees and/or family members impacted When do we get funds when our application is approved: Grant funds are sent shortly after application approval and the MOU is signed and returned by the receiving agency.

How often does the committee review applications: The board member and DPS Commissioner meet quarterly, as needed, to review the applications and approve or deny funding