First Responder Wellness Week Webinar Series 2025

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Description:

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is pleased to announce the 2nd annual First Responder Wellness Week Webinar Series, being held March 24-28, 2025.

DCJS is committed to increasing the resources and training available for first responder wellness. As part of this initiative, this series of webinars will train first responders in various wellness topics. Please register to join us for one, or all of these important events as we continue to improve the health and wellness of the most important pieces of our safety and well-being.

*Please note that you must register for each session you plan to attend.* 

Webinars:

Monday, March 24, 2025; 10:00 am – 11:15 am
Wellness Overview and the Foundation for First Responder Wellness and Resiliency
Maggie DeBoard – Police Chief, Herndon Police Department

This 90-minute presentation will focus on the critical need to address first responder mental health and wellness from both a self-care and leadership standpoint. Results from the National Wellness Survey for Public Safety Personnel will be briefly discussed to highlight the need, and a preview of an upcoming follow-up survey will be introduced. We will discuss the critical components of an effective health and wellness program and how to make resources accessible and trusted by your first responders. Lastly, the Foundation for First Responder Wellness and Resiliency will be introduced, discussing its mission to bring mental health and wellness care to our Virginia first responder community in a holistic and confidential manner.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025; 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Introduction to Brain Injury for First Responders: Defining-Preventing-Supporting
Anastasia Edmonston MS CRC - National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA)

The intersection of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), mental health, and substance use disorders is well-studied across civilian and military populations. More recently brain injury prevalence among justice-involved individuals has made headlines in the popular press. The increase in awareness has served to bolster awareness and reduce stigma about TBI. It is critical to expand our awareness to encompass the risks and consequences of brain injury to law enforcement officers and other first responders. The inherent nature of the work of our first responders increases the possibility of exposure to TBI and the development of co-occurring mental health conditions and problematic substance use.      

Wednesday, March 26, 2025; 10:00 am - 11:00 am
How Many is Too Many and Who is SAM?!?
Kristina Moore, Behavioral Health Coordinator, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue  

This session will explore the various facets of addressing and managing substance use disorder among First Responders. Participants will briefly explore the Stages of Change, a model that outlines the process individuals undergo when modifying behavior. The presentation will also provide participants with a general understanding of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria. ASAM is a set of guidelines that providers use when assessing and treating substance use disorders. It is helpful for everyone to have an awareness of ASAM criteria so that you may understand how treatment decisions or service options are made.

Additionally, the course will provide a brief overview of the importance of 42 CFR Part 2, a federal regulation that protects the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. Finally, we will close with a discussion on resource options for First Responders who may be struggling with substance use.

Thursday, March 27, 2025; 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Back on Track: CommonHealth’s Guide to a Healthy Back
Jami Zanetta, MA, CWPM, CPT, Wellness & Communications Consultant, Virginia Department of Human Resources – Office of Health Benefits

If you suffer from back pain, you are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States. It is estimated that more than 16 million adults experience chronic back pain. Most back problems are not the result of a single injury but rather, happen after months or years of poor posture, improper body mechanics, tight or weak muscles, and lack of overall fitness. CommonHealth's Back on Track campaign will provide you with some simple steps to help you care for your back to prevent injury and pain.      

Friday, March 28, 2025; 10:00 am - 11:15 am
Therapy Dogs and Mindfulness: Wellness Lessons
Michael Gresham, Chief Wellness Officer, Therapy K-9 Handler, Virginia State Police

Michael Gresham will discuss the Virginia State Police (VSP) Therapy Dog Program, including the certification and utilization of therapy K-9s. He will speak about the VSP’s “Upstream Tactics” to build resilience and wellness, and how to pick the right people to work in your wellness program. Michael discusses lessons learned throughout the processes with which he has been involved with VSP’s program creation and duties.

Who should attend?

These webinars are open to all first responder groups, including, but not limited to, law enforcement, fire/EMS, EMTs, dispatchers, and corrections. Additionally, retired first responders, as well as civilian peer support and mental health clinicians who are culturally competent in first responder wellness, are encouraged to attend and participate.

Partial In-service Credit:

Partial In-service Credit (PIC) will not be available.

Cost and Registration:

There is no fee to attend this training, however, pre-registration is required.