Health and wellness
A career in law enforcement poses a challenge to our personnels’ physical and mental health. Contributing factors include long hours, sleep deprivation, chronic stress, and dangerous working conditions. Additionally, limited time with family and friends, compassion fatigue, and burnout can take a toll.
The health and wellbeing of our employees is a priority at the County of Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office. We believe that healthy employees equate to an improved quality of life for our staff, happier families, and safer communities. Building an environment where our personnel can thrive, not just survive their careers, is of the utmost importance.
The County of Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office has made impressive strides with its new wellness program since its launch in 2023. With the addition of a full-time Health and Wellness Coordinator, Danielle Kawash, the program focuses on promoting overall workforce health and wellness through a variety of initiatives.
Key elements of the program include:
Health and Wellness Fair: The inaugural fair aims to connect employees with resources and activities that support their health and well-being.
Wellness Wednesday: A weekly email provides employees with valuable information, including a recorded weekly workout, nutrition tips, sleep advice, wellness news, and health resources. Employees are also encouraged to wear an agency provided Wellness Wednesday T-shirt on Wednesdays to encourage connection and comradery.
Wellness Corner on the SO Intranet: This dedicated section of the Sheriff Office Intranet offers educational materials and resources on diverse topics such as mental health, cardiovascular health, nutrition, and fitness routines.
Health and Wellness Ambassador Training: The upcoming training program is designed to equip Sheriff Office employees with knowledge and skills in nutrition, sleep, fitness, stress management, and health coaching. Ambassadors will then help spread wellness information and support their peers in adopting healthier behaviors.
1-on-1 Wellness Appointments: Danielle Kawash offers personalized support through 1-on-1 Wellness Appointments. These free, one-hour coaching sessions are designed to help employees create individualized plans for healthier lifestyle choices. Whether someone needs guidance on nutrition, fitness, stress management, or overall wellness strategies, these appointments provide tailored advice and support to meet their specific needs and goals. This personal touch complements the program’s broader resources and initiatives, ensuring that employees receive both general and individualized wellness support.
Wellness Room: A dedicated space for relaxation, equipped with soothing music, pleasant scents, and comfortable seating, offering employees a place to unwind and recharge.
Courageous Heart Training: A program that offers resilience, compassion, and leadership training.
Wellness Committee: A group of health-minded individuals who develop new ideas and share perspectives to better deliver information, resources, and programs focused on health and wellness.
Blue Courage Training: An Academy program for new recruits that teaches tools and practices necessary for a healthier stress response when dealing with the demands of policing.
Peer Support: A dedicated team of trained peers to support our employees and families.
Cordico Wellness App: An easy-to-use app that provides resources and tools to support physical and mental health and wellness.
Healthy Meals: A service that offers convenient, affordable, healthy meals at several facilities throughout the agency.
This multifaceted approach not only addresses physical health but also emphasizes mental well-being and supportive peer interactions, reflecting a comprehensive commitment to the workforce's overall wellness.