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Awards honor excellence in effective public service.
July 16, 2024 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating three awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo).
Since 1970, NACo has been recognizing innovative, effective county government programs that support and enhance services for the people it serves.
The outstanding work of San Diego Sheriff’s Office employees was commended in the Health, Human Services and Personnel, Management, Employment and Training categories.
Health – Harm Reduction Kits
The Sheriff’s Office took a proactive step to help prevent overdose deaths in the county with the Harm Reduction Kits Program. We partnered with the County Health and Human Services Agency, County Parks and Recreation, city police departments in the region, and Rady Children’s Hospital to officially launch the distribution program in January 2023.
A Harm Reduction Kit has two doses of a life-saving drug to help reverse an overdose to opiates or painkillers. A brochure in English and Spanish provides instructions on how to use naloxone. A QR code on the box can also be scanned to watch an instructional video.
Deputies hand out the Harm Reduction Kits when they respond to calls for service. You can also get them for free at any Sheriff's Station or Substation, police station or health centers in the county.
Human Services – Detention Services Wellness ChecksWellness Checks started in county jails in April 2022 at San Diego Central Jail. It has since expanded to the George Bailey Detention Facility, Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility and Vista Detention Facility.
Wellness Checks involve a team of sworn staff, mental health providers, nurses, and correctional counselors. They work together in providing services to those deemed most vulnerable or who are unable to communicate, care or advocate for themselves.
One-on-one visits provide an opportunity for hygiene inspections and address maintenance issues within the cell or housing unit. Mental health clinicians and nurses assess the individual for any mental health or medical concerns and route them to the appropriate service provider for follow-up and recovery.
This team approach allows more frequent contacts with patients to address concerns in the moment and make real time connections to services inside our facilities and outside the community.
24,000 Wellness Checks were conducted in 2023, providing increased opportunities for early intervention and improved care for those in our custody.
Personnel, Management, Employment and Training Award - Sheriff’s Wellness Unit
The Sheriff’s Wellness Unit is a pioneering initiative to promote the professional and personal well-being of employees. Launched in May 2023, the unit is comprised of a diverse team of sworn, professional and volunteer staff to address all needs comprehensively.
Its motto is: "We are here throughout your entire career, from hire to retire."
Services include a Wellness App, 24/7 access to confidential mental health crisis support, Wellness Day events, as well as station and office visits.
Sheriff Kelly A. Martinez applauded the sworn and professional staff, saying, “Our employees are truly exceptional and their hard work on these programs is remarkable. I am proud of their achievements and happy to see they are being recognized on a national level. We strive to be a model of excellence. These awards inspire us to continue our mission of safeguarding our communities with compassion and integrity.”
The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government.
Comments
Mike wants a job
jumping out of helicopters, fighting fires and/or crime. He asks if Sheriff will consider him or CAL-FIRE he has stamina in hot attics during brutal summer heat and is ripped.
wants a job with CAL-Fire (youtube.com)
Mike Harshorn (the one in Kansas not Oklahoma)
Harm Reduction?
While measures to help those not in custody is laudable, half measures to protect those in San Diego County Jails makes this story more of a distraction. The focus should remain on those who continue to die while in custody under Sheriff Kelly Martinez's watch. At least give those that have already died, Seven, a mention, Miriam!