The UC merced police department is requesting $200,000 of lemhwa funding to implement a comprehensive wellness and mental health program aimed at enhancing the overall well-being, resilience, and…

The Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Program awarded the University of California, Merced $200,000 under the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA, CFDA 16.070) on October 1, 2025.

UC Merced's police department will implement a comprehensive wellness and mental health program for sworn and civilian personnel, including department-wide mental health training, leadership development, and a trained peer support team. The department will partner with a licensed mental health provider, certified law enforcement coaches, and wellness app provider Lexipol-Cordico for ongoing professional support. Deliverables include increased wellness program participation, improved mental health awareness, and measurable improvements in employee satisfaction and service accessibility. The Merced County Peer Support Network, local churches, and an external evaluator will support program delivery. Sustainability will be achieved through institutional integration, department budget allocations, and future grant funding.

Performance period is October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027, with place of performance in Merced, California. The funding is classified as a Project Grant with the full $200,000 obligated.

The UC merced police department is requesting $200,000 of lemhwa funding to implement a comprehensive wellness and mental health program aimed at enhancing the overall well-being, resilience, and effectiveness of its sworn and civilian personnel. This initiative will include department-wide mental health training, leadership development, and the creation of a trained peer support team to provide accessible internal support. The department will partner with a licensed mental health provider, certified law enforcement coaches, and wellness APP provider lexipol-cordico to ensure ongoing, professional support. Key deliverables include increased wellness program participation, improved mental health awareness, and measurable improvements in employee satisfaction and service accessibility. Partnerships with local organizations, including the merced county peer support network, local churches, and an external evaluator will further strengthen program delivery and impact. Sustainability will be achieved through institutional integration, department budget allocations, and future grant funding, ensuring the program's continued success and long-term viability.