Built BY First Responders, FOR First Responders
The NAMI North Texas OPS program is the first of its kind: in-person, no-cost, confidential, community-based, inter-agency peer support network for first responders. This innovative program provides a private option to take the first step towards mental health care, making it easier for first responders to seek help, prioritize their own well-being, and connect with vetted, culturally appropriate clinical care when necessary. Intended to be supplementary to intra-agency support teams, OPS serves as an additional resource to optimize first responder wellness and professional performance.
After more than a decade of experience working with law enforcement, NAMI North Texas developed the 16-hour, high quality, law enforcement peer support certification course in 2021-2022 with the help of the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. Once an officer completes this training, they receive an OPS certification and are eligible to provide 1-1 support to other law enforcement personnel who request assistance through OPS. Officers are also trained to recognize when peer support is not enough, thus serving as bridges to professional mental health services that specialize in treating first responders.
Currently, the OPS program is available to all law enforcement professionals, including communications/dispatch, corrections, and civilian employees of law enforcement agencies. The program is intended to expand to Fire/EMS late summer, early fall 2023.
Officer Todd Gyure has worked at the Garland Police Department for over 20 years with 16.5 years of that time spent working in the Patrol unit. For the past 3.5 years Todd has been assigned to the Garland Police Departments Wellness Unit. Todd is in his 11th year as a member of The Garland Police Departments S.W.A.T. team as a hostage negotiator. Todd is passionate about all things brain health for both the public he serves, and the law enforcement/first responder community at large.
Lauren and Todd discuss the importance of the NAMI North TX Overwatch Peer Support (OPS) program for first responders, the film PTSD911, and prioritizing mental health.
About
Detective Michelle Horridge
Det. Michelle Horridge, who has been with FMPD for 18 years and also serves as NAMI North Texas’ Frontline Wellness Coordinator.
For more information:
Contact Detective Michelle Horridge
Flower Mound Police Department &
NAMI North Texas Frontline Wellness Coordinator
