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 a first responder completes this training, they receive an OPS certification and are eligible to provide 1-1 support to other first responders who request assistance through OPS. First responders 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.
During the summer of 2023, the OPS program expanded to all first responder professionals, including communications/dispatch, corrections, and civilian employees of law enforcement agencies, and fire/ems personnel.
Help support first responder mental health in North Texas
Supporting first responder mental health in North Texas is crucial to ensure the well-being of those who tirelessly serve and protect our communities. Overwatch Peer Support has trained individuals across 35 departments and two federal agencies, extending their invaluable education and support to over 2549 individuals last year alone.
You can directly contribute to providing essential mental health support and resources to those utilizing OPS, and help first responders cope with the challenges they face daily. Your generosity can make a significant difference in enhancing the mental resilience and overall welfare of our North Texas first responders and their civilian colleagues. Your contribution is greatly appreciated!
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.
Overwatch First responder Family Support Group
NAMI Overwatch First Responder Family Support Group is a free, 90-minute monthly support group. NAMI Overwatch First Responder Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who identifies as a First Responder. This includes fire, EMS, law enforcement, dispatchers, corrections officers and civilian employees of First Responder agencies. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.
The NAMI Overwatch First Responder Family Support Group offers a supportive environment where individuals can aim to develop better coping skills while finding strength in sharing their experiences. It fosters a non-judgmental atmosphere where participants can feel safe to express their pain without fear of criticism, encouraging them to forgive themselves and reject any feelings of guilt. The group emphasizes acceptance, that not every problem can be solved and that mental health conditions are not anyone's fault. It acknowledges the potential trauma associated with these conditions, promoting understanding and empathy among members.
In response to the increasing demand for our OPS Basic Course, we are implementing a new training fee policy tailored to accommodate the needs of first responders in and out of our service area. The new policy aims to balance accessibility with the quality of instructors, materials for the course, and ensuring that every first responder and their civilian colleagues receive valuable information from the course. By implementing this new approach, we are reaffirming our commitment to supporting those who dedicate their lives to public service, empowering them with the tools they need to prioritize their mental health and effectively serve those in need.
Meet our Instuctors
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
