Grafton Police Department funds mental health app subscription for full staff

 

GRAFTON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A local police department is taking an innovative approach to address mental health needs.

The Grafton Police Department now offers a subscription to the "Calm" app for their entire staff.

"Calm" is a downloadable app that includes breathing exercises, meditation, help with sleep, and stress relief workshops.

Chief Jeff Caponera came up with the idea after learning about other companies offering the app to their staff.

"It helps reaffirm, number one, that we care about their mental health and mental wellbeing, and number two, that it's okay to not be okay," Caponera said.

The Grafton Police Department officially launched the subscription on Monday.

Caponera said it costs them less than $1,000 a year, and he believes is truly worth it.

"Their health and their mental health is important to me - not only for them, but for the community. Officers who come to work stressed, who come to work tired, they don't make the best decisions," Caponera said.

The app also offers subscribers access for five of their family members.

The Grafton Police Department has a three-year subscription contract with "Calm."

"Not everybody is comfortable going to see a psychologist or psychiatrist for some of their mental health issues. So, this is another way they can do it 365 days a year, seven days a week," Caponera said.

Chief Caponera said he challenges other police departments to take similar steps to prioritize mental health.