The City of Bartlesville has launched a comprehensive mental health and wellness initiative within the Bartlesville Police Department (BPD), supported by a $200,000 federal grant awarded through the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act. The grant, issued by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services and accepted by the City Council on Dec. 1, will fund a two‑year effort to expand mental health resources for officers, staff, and their families.
Assistant City Manager Laura Sanders said the initiative reflects the department’s forward‑thinking approach.
“The Bartlesville Police Department was extremely proactive in pursuing this grant, and their work is going to make a real difference,” Sanders said. “This initiative strengthens our ability to support officers in the field, improves outcomes during mental‑health‑related calls, and reinforces a culture where wellness is treated as an essential part of public safety.”
As part of the grant‑funded effort, BPD earlier this week announced the addition of in-house Licensed Professional Counselor David Likens, who will provide confidential wellness visits, critical incident response, stress‑management support, and other services tailored to the needs of law enforcement personnel. These services extend to immediate family members, recognizing their essential role in long‑term stability and support.
The announcement coincides with First Responder Wellness Week 2026 (March 23-27), which highlights the importance of addressing the unique stressors faced by first responders and ensuring access to practical, stigma-free support.
Acting Police Chief Troy Newell said the initiative represents a meaningful investment in the department’s long‑term health.
“Ensuring the mental and emotional well‑being of our officers and staff is just as important as their physical safety,” Newell said. “This program gives our team practical, stigma‑free access to resources that support both personal well‑being and professional readiness.”
The department’s strategic plan is built around four key objectives:
- Reducing barriers to care through 24/7 access to a licensed therapist.
- Addressing trauma and cumulative stress with trauma‑informed practices and two scheduled therapy sessions per year for each employee.
- Strengthening departmental culture through therapist‑led training that raises awareness and reduces stigma.
- Expanding wellness programming with biannual wellness evaluations, opportunities for physical exercise during duty hours, and family‑support services.
The initiative is designed to create lasting cultural change within the department by improving access to care, reducing stigma, and embedding wellness into daily operations.
More about the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act
The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. The act provides funding to law enforcement agencies nationwide to:
- Improve access to mental health services
- Support officer wellness and resilience
- Reduce stigma around seeking help
- Promote evidence‑based practices for trauma and stress management
The City of Bartlesville received a $200,000 LEMHWA grant to support a two‑year initiative focused on expanding mental health resources, strengthening wellness programs, and building long‑term systems that support the well‑being of officers, staff, and their families.