The pandemic has brought mental health to the forefront - many across the country have suffered, especially first responders. 

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons and Sen. Richard Blumenthal announced a grant that will help get social workers and mental health professionals to work with the Stamford Police Department.

Simmons says this grant will help to enhance initiatives to support mental health. 

“Being a cop has never been more important or more difficult,” says Sen. Blumenthal.

According to Sen. Blumenthal, the social workers will help police with mental health assessments, follow-up care and referrals. 

The follow-ups are one of the most important aspects of the job. The social worker will follow through on the patient’s care. 

The Stamford Police Department is partnering with the social work organization Recovery Network Programs. 

“If you look at mental health illness, it cuts across every type of barrier – race, color, religion,” says Capt. Diedrich Hohn. “Mental illness has no biases.” 

The police department says a new social worker will begin within the next year.