Item Description:
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Agmt PR00007305 with Community Growth Solutions Inc. to provide mental health counseling for Sheriff’s Office personnel, 04/01/24-06/30/26, NTE $150,000
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Agreement PR00007305 with Community Growth Solutions, Inc. to provide mental health counseling, during the period of April 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $150,000 be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
Pursuant to Agreement PR00004487, Dr. Michael Peterson served as the Clinical Director for the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office beginning July 1, 2022. In this role, Dr. Peterson acted as a part-time, in-house mental health clinician, providing direct support to employees across all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office and leading the Peer2Peer Support group. His responsibilities included responding to critical incidents, providing immediate defusing support, and coordinating follow-up care. When a formal debriefing was deemed necessary, Dr. Peterson provided recommendations to the TriWellness Unit and collaborated with Wellness That Fits to facilitate debriefings post incidents. Dr. Peterson is expected to retire in June 2026, which informs the term of the current agreement, PR00007305.
Having a Clinical Director who operates independent of the Sheriff's Office is essential in establishing credibility and trust among staff, particularly when navigating mental health challenges. Dr. Peterson's consistent presence and expertise have been instrumental in reinforcing a supportive workplace culture focused on mental well-being. By providing trauma-informed, stigma-reducing mental health support through a trusted, independent clinician, this initiative ensures that all employees have consistent access to care.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval