The bluefield police department will use FY24 microgrant funding to share mental health and wellness (including suicide prevention) education and intervention resources with youth through an…

The Bluefield Police Department was awarded a $175,000 Project Grant under the Department of Justice's Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants program (CFDA 16.710) to share mental health and wellness (including suicide prevention) education and intervention resources with youth through an Appalachian cryptid [Mothman, Bigfoot, Flatwoods Monster, etc.] campaign. The project aims to remove stigma or barriers youth may perceive about engaging with law enforcement, reduce stigma around talking about and accessing mental health and wellness resources, drive enthusiasm and interest around the cryptids and related materials, and improve the perception of law enforcement while encouraging youth to view them as a resource. The grant award period is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026.

The bluefield police department will use FY24 microgrant funding to share mental health and wellness (including suicide prevention) education and intervention resources with youth through an appalachian cryptid [mothman, bigfoot, flatwoods monster, etc.] campaign. This project will remove stigma or barriers youth may perceive about engaging with law enforcement; IT will reduce stigma around talking about and accessing mental health and wellness resources; IT will drive enthusiasm and interest around the cryptids and related materials; and IT will improve the perception of law enforcement and encourage youth to view them as a source for resources.