Mayor Neeley proposes support for first responders with mental health care reimbursement

The September 4 Flint City Council Finance Committee agenda included a proposal from Mayor Sheldon Neeley that would provide reimbursement of out-of-pocket mental health expenses for City of Flint first responders.

“The work our first responders engage in every day isn’t just physically demanding, but mentally demanding as well,” Mayor Neeley said. “We need to fully support our first responders both on the job and after the job so that they can, in turn, support Flint residents.”

The proposed $200,000 allocation of ARPA funding is designed to ensure that first responders can access mental healthcare without financial strain. Recognizing that the work of first responders frequently involves witnessing and bringing resolution to traumatic events, this program aims to alleviate financial barriers to accessing necessary care.

“By normalizing mental health care as an important part of workplace culture for first responders, we hope to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support,” City Administrator Clyde Edwards said. “We hope the Flint City Council will approve this vital support for those who put themselves at risk to protect and serve the Flint community.”

The Flint City Council could approve the resolution as early as Monday, September 9. The council moved the proposed resolution to the Special Affairs Committee meeting, which will be immediately followed by the regular Flint City Council meeting on Monday.