Winston-Salem police hire first wellness advocate

The Winston-Salem Police Department has hired its first wellness advocate to address the mental health needs of officers and staff.

Kendra Buick, a native of Mount Airy, began serving in May, focusing on the well-being of sworn and non-sworn employees.

Annie Sims, a spokeswoman for the department, says Buick has already started a volunteer nutrition program and a strength training initiative.

“She's moving quickly and connecting us with these resources outside of the agency," she says. "Building relationships with community partners to make sure that our officers and our professional staff have the resources to support their well-being, physically, mentally and emotionally.”

Sims says there’s been a growing awareness about the stressors that come with law enforcement and the need to deal with the potential impacts.

The position in the Winston-Salem Police Department is funded for two years through the federal Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program.