Page 418 - CityofArlingtonFY26AdoptedBudget

Public Safety

Goal 1: Utilize Targeted Initiatives and Industry Best Practices and Policies to Foster a Safe
Environment
Objective 1: Improve Quality of Life and Place
Project Performance Measure(s) Department(s)
Core Mental Health Overall satisfaction of project Fire
PS management
1.1.12
Summary:
The Arlington Fire Department is dedicated to supporting Estimated Actual
the mental wellness of its members, including prevention Milestone Completion Completion
and dispatch partners. To achieve this, the department has Awarded OOG Mental Sept. 2024 Oct. 2024
implemented several programs to provide accessible Health Grant FY25
mental health resources and professional counseling Red Chip Referral Program FY 2025 Ongoing
support. Funded Counseling visits FY 2025 Ongoing
Spouse Support Workshop May 2025 May 2025
Key initiatives include: Science of Trauma class July 2025
PEER Team: The department has established a PEER team
of 23 trained members who provide peer counseling and
can direct personnel to professional mental health
resources 24/7.

Red Chip Program: In collaboration with The Readiness
Group, the department utilizes the “Red Chip” program,
modeled after the APD’s “Blue Chip” program. This
program connects members with professional mental
health services through a simple online portal or QR code
provided to all members via a red poker chip.

First Responder Mental Health Program Grant (FY25): The
department has been awarded the Office of the Governor
Grant for the First Responder Mental Health Program for FY
2025. This program aims to fund over 500 counseling visits
and provide department personnel resiliency training and
PEER team coaching.

Update:
The PEER team has provided peer counseling to over 80
members through March.

The Red Chip has provided funded counseling services to 25
members, with a marked increase over the previous 30
days.

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