Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity Committee

**Police Wellness Program Evolution:** Dr. Earley detailed how the program has grown from basic ride-alongs and informal check-ins to a comprehensive 10-facet wellness system. The program includes peer support with attorney-client privilege protection, a vetted provider team of 12 therapists, chaplain services, family engagement nights, and innovative approaches like yoga partnerships and grief workshops at Mount Baker. Officer Elmendorf provided historical context, describing how law enforcement culture has shifted from the 1990s era when showing mental health impacts was considered career-ending weakness to today's environment where seeking help is viewed as professional strength. **GRACE Program Expansion and Challenges:** Ashley Smith outlined the program's evolution from a 2014 six-month pilot focusing on facilities using 911 inappropriately to today's comprehensive case management system. The program now serves individuals with complex needs across mult…

**Dr. Michael Earley (Breakthrough Psychology):** Emphasized the program's comprehensive approach and data-driven success. Highlighted concerns about grant funding sustainability and the need for continued city support. Praised the professionalism and integrity of Bellingham Police Department. **Officer Elizabeth Mara (Bellingham Police Department):** Provided personal testimony about the program's impact on officer wellbeing and retention. Stressed the importance of transparency and council support for officer morale. Described how the program has created cultural shift toward vulnerability and mutual support. **Officer Tyson Elmendorf (Recruiting Officer, BPD):** Offered historical perspective…

**Dr. Michael Earley, on program transformation:** "What ended up happening was that the job has really evolved dramatically. The initial idea was to be involved in ride-alongs, take detectives out for lunch, see how people were doing after critical calls, and supporting folks like our ICAC unit that does the internet crimes against children work, some of the darkest work in law enforcement." **Dr. Michael Earley, on data results:** "When I started, we asked in a survey to the agency, and the…

The presentations revealed significant evolution in both programs since their inception. The police wellness program has transformed from informal wellness activities to a structured 10-component system with measurable outcomes and professional accountability. Cultural attitudes toward mental health support in law enforcement have fundamentally shifted from stigma to strength. The GRACE program has expanded from addressing facility misuse of 911 to comprehensive case management for…

### Meeting Overview The City of Bellingham Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity Committee met on March 24, 2025, to receive presentations on two innovative programs addressing public safety and community health: the Bellingham Police Department's Wellness Program and the GRACE Program for high utilizers of emergency services. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Peer Support Program:** A confidential support system within the police department where trained officers provide counseling and assistance to colleagues experiencing trauma or stress, with the same privilege level as attorney-client communications. **Vetted Provider Team:** A group of 12 therapists who have been specifically screened and trained to work with law enforcement personnel, having completed ride-alongs and understanding the unique stresses of police work. **GRACE Program:** Ground-level Response and Coordinated Engagement - an intensive case management program that works with frequent users of emergency services to connect them with appropriate resources and reduce repeated 911 calls. **Community Paramedicine:** A healthcare model where paramedics provide services beyond emergency response, including preventive care, care coordination, and support for chronic conditions in community settings. **High Utilizers:** Individuals who frequently use emergency services - defined as 6+ EMS calls, 12+ law enforcement interactions, or 20+ emergency department visits within 12 months. **Cost Avoidance:** The estimated savings achieved by preventing emergency service usage through intervention programs, calculated by comparing pre- and post-program utilization costs. **Designated Crisis Responder (DCR):** A mental health professional authorized under Ricky's Law to detain individuals who are gravely disabled due to substance use for involuntary treatment. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Daniel Hammill | Committee Chair, Third Ward Council Member | | Edwin "Skip" Williams | Committee Member, Fourth Ward Council Member | | Michael Lilliquist | Committee Member, Sixth Ward Council Member | | Dr. Michael Earley | Clinical Psychologist, Breakthrough Psychology PLLC | | Chief Rebecca Mertzig | Bellingham Police Chief | | Elizabeth Mara | Bellingham Police Officer, 6 years experience | | Tyson Elmendorf | Bellingham Police Officer, 30 years experience, Recruiting Officer | | Ashley Smith | GRACE Program Supervisor, Whatcom County Health & Community Services | | Steve Larson | Community Paramedic Captain, Bellingham Fire Department | | Mayor Kim Lund | Present during meeting | ### Background Context Both programs represent Be…