The Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications has rolled out a fresh amenity aimed at fostering mental health and wellbeing for its 911 professionals. In a move to create a respite from their relentless work environment, the department introduced a new indoor wellness lounge, equipped with features like calming lighting and plush seating, as detailed by a recent announcement on Cobb County Government official website.
The department already offers an outdoor wellness garden, a favorite amongst DEC team members seeking tranquility in nature since its completion in April 2022. However, due to the irregular weather in Georgia, the garden's use has been limited. The newly designed indoor area serves as a controlled environment where staffers can take a moment to recover. "Our emergency communications officers constantly handle high-stress situations and emotional calls," said DEC Director Melissa Alterio in a statement. She believes that the new space is "another way we are prioritizing the health and wellness of our team," according to Cobb County Government.
This wellness lounge is part of a broader initiative, the Cobb 911 Wellness Initiative, launched in November of 2024 with support from the Cobb County Public Safety Foundation. Aiming to cultivate a healthier and more supportive workplace, the initiative spans access to mental health resources and an after-hours communication protocol to promoting self-care and healthy boundaries—the latter of which is part of a cultural shift within the department.
Emphasizing the importance of employee wellbeing, the DEC's internal employee wellness program, G.R.O.W., which stands for Growth, Restoration, Oneness, and Wellness, is reinforced by the wellness lounge and the garden. These aspects work in concert with the department's existing Health & Wellness and Morale committees. The Cobb County Public Safety Foundation's role was crucial in materializing these offerings through fundraising and support. They remain intimately involved in the advocacy for public safety professionals' health within the Cobb community.
As an emblem of their dedication to the cause, Cobb County 911 continues to champion the health and wellness of those at the front line of emergency communications. Contact Desmond Harris, Community Relations Coordinator for the Cobb County Dept. of Emergency Communications, for more information at [email protected].
