In Arlington, Virginia, social workers Donna Young and Leslie Geer are providing essential mental health support to public safety employees and first responders. Since their appointment as wellness coordinators in 2023, they have focused on creating a supportive environment for those who face high-stress situations regularly.
Young and Geer, trained clinicians, lead wellness training sessions, develop wellness policies, and offer short-term therapy services. They emphasize the importance of normalizing discussions around mental health, stating, “It’s normal to struggle. It’s okay. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.”
Their role includes responding to first responders after traumatic incidents, such as the January mid-air crash and the 2023 house explosion in Bluemont. Young points out that emergency personnel encounter more high-stress situations than most people, which can lead to mental health challenges. “Providing them with an outlet at work where they can get that support is really important for their long-term careers,” she explains.
On a daily basis, Young and Geer engage with first responders through ride-alongs with the Arlington County Police Department and visits to fire stations and the county jail. They aim to build rapport, ensuring that first responders see them as approachable and relatable individuals, not just clinical professionals. Geer stresses the value of being recognized as real people, stating, “We want them to see us as someone they can talk to.”
Despite discussing serious topics, the duo tries to maintain a light-hearted atmosphere. They acknowledge the stigma surrounding vulnerability and mental health in public safety careers, where being seen as tough is often the norm. Young notes, “In this field, we’re taught to be tough and to put on a mask when we go to work.”
To combat this stigma, they encourage employees to seek help when needed, collaborating with chaplains and peer support groups for those uncomfortable with traditional therapy. Young emphasizes the importance of trust, stating, “Creating a safe space for people to express themselves is vital for their mental health.”
Looking ahead, Young and Geer are planning to expand their family program, which provides resources to new recruits and their families. They are also considering introducing a therapy dog to further support their initiatives. Until then, they remain committed to strengthening relationships within the community and normalizing conversations about mental health challenges, one interaction at a time.
Russian 
English 
French 
German 
Spanish 
Belarusian 
Ukrainian