Springfield Police Supervisors Association Partner with Wellpoint, Bruins and Others to Shed a Light on First Responder Mental Health
Wellpoint Makes Generous Donation to the Stephen O’Brien Learn to Skate Program
Springfield, Mass. — On Monday April 8th, Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Springfield Police Supervisors Association President Captain Brian Keenan and Wellpoint (formerly UniCare) General Manager David Morales announced the “Face-Offs for First Responders” Campaign in Springfield. “Face-Offs for First Responders” highlights the mental health resources available for our first responders.
Every day, first responders face off against dangerous situations in the line of duty. These high-stress situations day after day can take a toll on their well-being and mental health. That’s why Wellpoint, a health benefits company in Massachusetts, has joined forces with the Springfield Police Supervisors Association, the State Police Association of Massachusetts (SPAM), Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM), the New England Benevolent Association, 98.5 The Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network and hometown hockey star Charlie Coyle for Face-Offs for First Responders to highlight the mental health resources available to our first responder community.
“We’re honored to once again partner with firefighters, state police, local police, 98.5 The Sports Hub, and Charlie Coyle to remind all first responders that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health,” said David Morales, General Manager of Wellpoint. “As a health benefits plan supporting Massachusetts state and municipal employees, retirees, and their families, Wellpoint will continue to enable our members’ whole health – their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being – and this campaign is designed to remind them about the care and resources available to them.”
Springfield Police Superintendent Clapprood stated, “When a police officer comes to work, they never know what they may encounter on their next call. We have officers who deal with dangerous situations, see things no one else would ever want to experience on top of the stress that this profession brings. The work-life balance for police officers can be taxing. Our officers respond to traumatic situations that they can’t easily forget and we, along with Wellpoint, want to not only let them know it’s okay to seek support, but urge them to take advantage of these resources. To be a good police officer, you need to take care of yourself and your well-being and mental health first.”
Mayor Sarno states, “First of all, I want to thank our dedicated first responders for being there for us each day, prepared to run toward danger to save lives and save structure and keep our residents and business community safe. I deeply appreciate the generosity from David Morales and the Wellpoint team in supporting our first responders with mental health resources. It is important that everyone knows that there are resources and places to go that can help us through the toughest times – remember that it is ok to seek out that help.”
“We are also deeply grateful to Wellpoint for their support of our long running Stephen O’Brien Memorial Learn-to-Skate Program – a wonderful program that connects our dedicated law enforcement with the youth and families in our community for such a positive experience of learning to ice skate. We have a great facility at Cyr Arena and I thank our Parks, Building, and Recreation team now led by Director Tom Ashe for helping to make this program happen for almost 30 years now. I am happy we are able to come together to support this great program on Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood’s last day on the job before she officially retires as she has been very devoted to our Learn to Skate a program very dear to her. Officer O’Brien was truly a wonderful and dedicated officer who gave back to our Springfield community in many ways. I am proud to join with our brave and dedicated men and women in Blue in our continued support of the Learn to Skate program to continue to honor the memory of Officer Stephen O’Brien and his legacy.”
Bruins Center Charlie Coyle has joined on as a campaign spokesman to give back and honor the many great first responders he knows having grown up on the South Shore and playing for the Boston Bruins. He wants to provide a message of hope and support to all the great men and women first responders.
“Growing up in Weymouth – I have many friends and family who are first responders who’ve taken the oath to protect and serve their communities. So it’s an amazing honor for me to team up again with Wellpoint, the State Police Association of Massachusetts, Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and 98.5 The Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network to highlight the mental health resources available to them. We want them to know it’s okay to talk to someone – there’s hope in getting help,” said Charlie Coyle, Boston Bruins Center.
Monday is also Police Superintendent Clapprood’s final working day after serving the city for 45 years. Wellpoint General Manager David Morales also presented Superintendent Clapprood with a $5000 donation for the Stephen O’Brien Memorial Learn to Skate Program. Next year will be the 28th anniversary of the police-led learn to skate event which is near and dear to Clapprood’s heart. The donation will be used for ice time and skating equipment. As a bonus, Morales also presented Clapprood with a signed Bruins Charlie Coyle jersey, her favorite player.
