Gov. DeWine announces launch of Office of First Responder Wellness

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Monday the creation of a new division within the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services that will focus exclusively on the well-being of Ohio’s first responders.

The Ohio Office of First Responder Wellness will work to encourage self-care and mental wellness for the state's first responder community including law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, dispatch, corrections, and Ohio-based military.

DeWine's office said the new office will provide specialized support and training to help agencies address post-traumatic stress and other traumas caused by factors that are unique to first-responder careers.

The Office of First Responder Wellness will work with local and state mental health agencies, including the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, to offer resources to agencies across the state.

Steven M. Click, who served 36 years with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and oversaw their Member Assistance Team from 2002 to 2018, will serve as the director of the Ohio Office of First Responder Wellness.