(photo courtesy of Mindful Magazine, “Mindful Policing: The Future of Force” – from City Club)
Impacting Public Safety Outcomes Through Police Officer Health
How would you react if your seemingly-fit 43-year-old coworker died suddenly from a heart attack? For most of us, that would be a wake-up call.
When Sgt. Johnny Lawrence passed away without warning, the Bend Police Department recognized it was time to make a change.
Police officers know their work is inherently stressful. The health problems officers face over many years of emotional and physical stress have dire consequences on their health.
The number one killer of our men and women in blue is cardiac arrest. And suicide rates among officers are now nearly equal to the number of officers killed by assaults and accidents.
Through the Johnny Lawrence Project, a wellness program that encompasses in-house yoga, mindfulness, functional fitness, on-duty workouts and a comprehensive health screening, Bend Police Department is helping teach its officers how to take better care of themselves and earning national accolades for its pioneering work.
The benefits of this kind of wellness program go far beyond the Bend police department.
After listening to our panel, you may want to incorporate some of the techniques into your workplace or way of life.
Speakers:
• Bend Police Sgt. Scott Vincent
• R. Andrew Barram, PSY.D.
• Dave Dedrick, MD
Moderated by Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel
When: Thursday, September 20
11:15-11:45am Networking
11:45am-1pm Program
Where: Riverhouse on the Deschutes Convention Center
2850 NW Rippling River Court • Bend, OR 97701
Cost: $25 members / $40 non-members. Plated lunch is included.
To register, please visit www.cityclubco.org or call 541-633-7163. Registration closes at noon on Monday, September 17. Registration fees must be paid in advance of the forum.
About City Club of Central Oregon
City Club of Central Oregon exists to be the top-of-mind hub for citizens and community leaders. We intentionally shape our community and influence public policy while preserving our uniquely warm and connected culture. We champion “passionately non-partisan” discussion between diverse perspectives.
