ANDOVER, Minn. – (Jan. 9, 2017) – The Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County Jan. 9 presented their 2016 Healthy Mind, Healthy Body awards to two law enforcement leaders, Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart and Columbia Heights Police Chief Scott Nadeau, for their roles in elevating mental health issues with first responders.
The Campaign’s annual meeting happened to coincide with National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
Sheriff Stuart was recognized for training first responders to manage situations in the community that include individuals with mental illnesses. Because police officers are at high risk for post-traumatic stress disorder, and higher than usual alcoholism, divorce and suicide, Sheriff Stuart has mandatory reading materials for new hires on the topics. The Sheriff’s Office has collaborated with the Mental Wellness Campaign to sponsor and host public safety trainings of Mental Health First Aid to his staff and other law enforcement entities in Anoka County.
“I’m very privileged to be a part of a group like this,” said Sheriff James Stuart. “Each and every one of you are trying to make a positive impact, and to do the right thing in our communities every day.”
Police Chief Nadeau was recognized for elevating mental health as an important issue for law enforcement personnel. He worked with the Barbara Schneider Foundation and Metro State University to create a hybrid training that teaches his officers how to effectively handle a mental health crisis in the community. He’ll have the entire staff trained within a matter of months. He introduced mindfulness activities to help staff manage their own mental wellness. A recent survey shows about 90 percent of his staff want to continue the practice.
“We appreciate the commitment Sheriff Stuart and Chief Nadeau have brought to promoting education on mental health,” said Chris Harnack, chair of the board for the Mental Wellness Campaign. “They’ve established offices that understand, and are responsive to, mental health needs of Anoka County citizens,” Harnack said.
The Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County is entering its tenth year as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Since its formation in 2004, the group of consumers, providers and community leaders has conducted anti-stigma efforts to raise awareness that mental health is as important as physical health. An annual walk, Mental Health First Aid Training, displays, awards, and presentations are some of the ways they do public outreach. For more information, go to mwcac.org.
