PUBLIC SAFETY
Keeping Loudoun safe.
Veterinary Services Team With a significant increase in the number of surrendered pets in the past year, the addition of a second veterinarian and two veterinary technicians will allow the Department of Animal Services to meet rising service demands. Animals at the shelter in need of medical treatment will be processed more quickly, which will allow them to be available for adoption as soon as possible. Also, the county will be able to provide more low-cost veterinary programs not only at the Animal Shelter but also in the community through the mobile outreach program.
Behavioral Health Coordinator The position of behavioral health coordinator in the Sheriff’s Office will oversee the office’s behavioral health program for sworn and civilian members of the department. Modeled after the Combined Fire and Rescue System’s behavioral health coordinator, this position will help further a culture of wellness and inclusiveness by recognizing that mental health needs vary among individuals. In turn, the program is expected to positively impact employee satisfaction, retention and service delivery to the community. The FY 2025 budget includes additional positions to support Public Safety and Judicial Administration, including bolstering mental health and wellness resources and increasing the capacity for veterinary services at the Animal Shelter.
Additional veterinary personnel will help the county meet increased demand for services.
TOTAL BUDGET
Animal Services .............................................................. $6.3M Clerk of the Circuit Court .............................................. $6.6M Commonwealth’s Attorney .......................................... $9.6M Community Corrections ............................................... $6.0M
Courts ............................................................................... $2.6M Fire and Rescue ........................................................... $157.8M Juvenile Court Service Unit .......................................... $9.7M Sheriff’s Office ............................................................. $150.1M
INTERVIEW WITH | Kristina Moore | Behavioral Health Coordinator, LCFR.
the shift work and the schedule and how that affects not just them themselves – such as their ability to sleep and engage in self-care – but also how that affects their social life, their family life, all of the other things that are so important to keep us healthy. Has there been a reduction in the stigma that is sometimes attached to public safety personnel seeking treatment for mental health issues? In the time that I have been with Fire and Rescue, I’ve seen a significant reduction of the stigma. In fact, we are adding a second person to meet our needs because we are breaking down those barriers. My hope is that with the new coordinator in the Sheriff’s Office, we will be able to help break down those barriers more because the stigma is historically something that has been an issue with public safety.
The FY 2025 budget adds the position of behavioral health coordinator in the Sheriff’s Office and is modeled after Moore’s position. What are some of the things you do as Behavioral Health Coordinator for the Combined Fire and Rescue System? The primary role of what I do is to promote health, wellness and resilience for both career and volunteer personnel. I provide services such as education and behavioral health coordination as well as oversee the Peer Support and Chaplains programs. What are some of the mental health challenges that first responders experience as a result of their job? A first responder is potentially repeatedly exposed to something traumatic. There is also
12 / FY 2025 BUDGET STORY, LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA
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