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IBHS
Integrated Behavioral Health Services
Chad Jordan
Program Director Integrated Behavioral Health Sevices
#WeAreNCDPS
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The Department of Public Safety provides many tools to help employees mentally cope with life’s issues. Access to those tools and resources are available through the DPS intranet. One of the department’s newest programs, Integrated Behavioral Health Services, provides free, confidential support with licensed mental health professionals and case managers through- out the state 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The program is designed to ease access to behavioral health care for staff and their families who experience high levels of stress and exposure to critical incidents and traumatic events on a regular basis.
Message from IBHS Program Director Chad Jordan:
We confront life changes across the board. Many DPS staff are essential, particularly those who work on the front lines in corrections and law enforcement and may be faced with navigating novel waters with self, peers and family systems. The experience of working outside the home while the rest of family is sequestered may be a blessing or a curse. It’s all dependent on how you manage yourself and your relationships.
Family Relationships
Maintain awareness that these circumstances are quite different when compared to a typical staycation or snow day. High levels of stress and exposure to the media frenzy can take a toll. Your family is most likely running out of things to do to occupy their time and are going stir crazy. They cannot visit parks or many public recreation areas. Going out to eat is not a possibility and congregating with friends is a challenge.
Frustration may increase with family at home while you are at work and a short fuse temper can come online. Don’t take it personally! Understand that having to go to work or being out in the field as you typically would on a day-to-day basis provides
a sense of reassurance and normalcy, for YOU.
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