CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A new state-funded brain health and wellness program is expanding to Clay County to support local first responders and military veterans.
The personalized, non-invasive treatment program uses specialized brain mapping technology to assist emergency personnel and veterans suffering from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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The initiative is 100% funded by the state of Florida.
Care through the program will be available to members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Fire Department, Orange Park Police Department, Orange Park Fire Department, Green Cove Springs Police Department, and veterans connected with Operation Barnabas.
The wellness program utilizes brain mapping technology to deliver individualized care for participants. Treatment consists of 20 separate sessions lasting 15 minutes each. The treatment has been proven beneficial for individuals coping with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook went through the program personally and reported significant improvements in her health.
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“It’s non-invasive and super simple and something is put on your head and it clicks,” Cook said. “I saw the results after the 3rd session. I started feeling better and got the best sleep in 20 years.”
Cook emphasized the importance of mental wellness for emergency personnel responding to calls throughout the county.
“It’s something that’s doable for us and it’s going to put our first responders in a better place to serve this community,” Cook said. “When it’s 2 a.m. and you call 911 and a policeman, sheriff or firefighter shows up, you want them to be in the best mental shape they can be to protect and serve you.”
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Florida House Speaker Sam Garrison confirmed that the program is fully backed by state resources to support first responders and emergency personnel.
“Whatever we can do as a state to ensure we are taking care of those who take care of us, we are all in,” Garrison said.
The personalized health initiative is already active in Jacksonville. Program leaders stated they intend for the model to serve as the standard regionally and eventually expand statewide.
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