### Meeting Overview The City of Bellingham Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity Committee met on March 24, 2025, to receive presentations on two innovative programs addressing public safety and community health: the Bellingham Police Department's Wellness Program and the GRACE Program for high utilizers of emergency services. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Peer Support Program:** A confidential support system within the police department where trained officers provide counseling and assistance to colleagues experiencing trauma or stress, with the same privilege level as attorney-client communications. **Vetted Provider Team:** A group of 12 therapists who have been specifically screened and trained to work with law enforcement personnel, having completed ride-alongs and understanding the unique stresses of police work. **GRACE Program:** Ground-level Response and Coordinated Engagement - an intensive case management program that works with frequent users of emergency services to connect them with appropriate resources and reduce repeated 911 calls. **Community Paramedicine:** A healthcare model where paramedics provide services beyond emergency response, including preventive care, care coordination, and support for chronic conditions in community settings. **High Utilizers:** Individuals who frequently use emergency services - defined as 6+ EMS calls, 12+ law enforcement interactions, or 20+ emergency department visits within 12 months. **Cost Avoidance:** The estimated savings achieved by preventing emergency service usage through intervention programs, calculated by comparing pre- and post-program utilization costs. **Designated Crisis Responder (DCR):** A mental health professional authorized under Ricky's Law to detain individuals who are gravely disabled due to substance use for involuntary treatment. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Daniel Hammill | Committee Chair, Third Ward Council Member | | Edwin "Skip" Williams | Committee Member, Fourth Ward Council Member | | Michael Lilliquist | Committee Member, Sixth Ward Council Member | | Dr. Michael Earley | Clinical Psychologist, Breakthrough Psychology PLLC | | Chief Rebecca Mertzig | Bellingham Police Chief | | Elizabeth Mara | Bellingham Police Officer, 6 years experience | | Tyson Elmendorf | Bellingham Police Officer, 30 years experience, Recruiting Officer | | Ashley Smith | GRACE Program Supervisor, Whatcom County Health & Community Services | | Steve Larson | Community Paramedic Captain, Bellingham Fire Department | | Mayor Kim Lund | Present during meeting | ### Background Context Both programs represent Bellingham's innovative approach to addressing complex social issues through preventive care rather than reactive responses. The Police Wellness Program addresses the mental health crisis in law enforcement, where officers face 186 traumatic incidents in their careers compared to 2-3 for average citizens, and where police suicide rates are 3-8 times higher than line-of-duty deaths. The GRACE Program tackles the expensive cycle of emergency service overuse by individuals with complex needs, who often lack access to appropriate resources and repeatedly turn to 911 for help. These programs reflect broader shifts in public safety philosophy, moving from purely enforcement-based models to health-centered approaches that address root causes of community problems. They also demonstrate significant fiscal responsibility - while the Police Wellness Program costs $160,000 annually, it helps prevent costly PTSD claims that have cost neighboring agencies millions. The GRACE Program, with a $334,000 city contribution, generated $14 million in cost avoidance in 2023 alone. ### What Happened — The Short Version Dr. Earley presented the Police Wellness Program, which began in 2022 and has evolved into a comprehensive 10-facet program. Key elements include peer support, vetted therapist referrals (40+ successful connections made), chaplain services, and innovative activities like Mount Baker grief workshops. Officer Mara shared her personal experience with the program's benefits, while Officer Elmendorf described how it aids recruitment and retention in a competitive market. Ashley Smith and Captain Larson presented GRACE Program updates, showing remarkable results: 84% reduction in EMS utilization and $14 million in cost avoidance for 66 participants in 2023. The program now serves 156 unique individuals annually with intensive case management. They highlighted challenges including vehicle needs, capacity limitations, and high utilization by care facilities making non-emergent 911 calls. Council members expressed strong support for both programs, with multiple members indicating willingness to continue funding if grant money disappears. They praised the programs as examples of what makes Bellingham unique among Washington cities. ### What to Watch Next - Future funding decisions for the Police Wellness Program if grant funding expires - Implementation of the new "off-the-road" policy for officers after traumatic calls - Expansion of GRACE Program hours and staffing to meet growing demand - Potential enforcement actions against care facilities misusing emergency services - Permanent placement of the Designated Crisis Responder position with GRACE ---