R.I.S.E. Peer Support Program Strengthens Support for Public Safety Professionals
Queen Anne’s County R.I.S.E. Peer Support Program Strengthens Support for Public Safety Professionals
Queen Anne’s County recently provided an update on its new Public Safety Peer Support, Mental Health & Wellness Program, known as R.I.S.E., during a meeting of the County Commissioners.
R.I.S.E., which stands for Resilience, Integrity, Strength and Empowerment, was created to strengthen the mental health, resilience and overall well-being of Queen Anne’s County public safety professionals and their families. The program provides a safe, judgment-free peer support resource for personnel across six public safety agencies: Volunteer Fire, the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff, Department of Emergency Services, Department of Corrections, 911 Communications and Centreville Police Department.
Public safety professionals routinely encounter traumatic events and high-stress situations that can have a lasting impact on emotional and psychological health. R.I.S.E. provides a coordinated approach that incorporates mental health awareness, early intervention and confidential peer support into the public safety community.
Members of the R.I.S.E. team volunteered from participating agencies and went through an intensive interview and selection process with For All Seasons before completing a mandatory four-day training program. Since completing their training, team members have already responded to at least four critical incidents involving multiple fatalities and internal emergencies.
The program is designed around the understanding that public safety professionals often rely on one another during difficult situations, but those in leadership positions also need somewhere to turn. By creating a trained peer network across multiple disciplines, R.I.S.E. gives members of the public safety community access to colleagues who understand the unique challenges of their work and are prepared to provide support. The partnership with For All Seasons ensures that responders have access to confidential professional mental health services as a compliment to the peer-to-peer support network.
During the presentation, Queen Anne’s County also recognized CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield of Maryland for its generous support of the program. CareFirst donated 24 backpacks and accessories for members of the R.I.S.E. Peer Support Team. These “go packs” will equip team members with essential supplies and resources when responding to critical incidents and supporting individuals in need.
The goal of R.I.S.E. is not only to respond following difficult events, but to build a public safety culture where seeking support is normalized, peers look out for one another and mental wellness is considered an important part of overall readiness.
The County extends its appreciation to the R.I.S.E. team members, participating public safety agencies, For All Seasons and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield of Maryland for their commitment to supporting those who serve the Queen Anne’s County community.
Picture L-R: Jessica Appenzeller, Department of Emergency Services R.I.S.E. Team Coordinator, Pat Keller, QACSO R.I.S.E. Peer, Beverly Churchill, Director of Human Resources, Briana Cottman, Department of Corrections R.I.S.E. Corrections Team Lead, Nikki Strickler, Senior Consultant, Public Sector, CareFirst, Kelley Payne, Department of Emergency Services R.I.S.E. EMS Team Lead, Laura Anthony, Centreville Police Department R.I.S.E. CPD Team Lead, Kim Schmidt, Account Manager, Client Delivery Solutions, CareFirst, Back Row, Mike Jarboe, Fire and EMS Commission R.I.S.E. Peer
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