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Request Submitted by Sheriff’s Office to Apply for FY 2026 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program Grant
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is applying for the FY2026 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Program Grant through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) of the U.S. Department of Justice (funding opportunity no. O-COPS-2026-172553). The goal of this program is to enhance its employee wellness program by expanding peer support capabilities through training, increasing access to wellness education, and providing resources that address personal and family stressors that can impact health, resilience, and job performance.
The grant requires both the Sheriff and the Board Chairman to electronically sign the application and later (if awarded) the award package via JustGrants. If the grant is awarded, documentation will be presented to the Sheriff and the Board for acceptance.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES
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FINANCIAL IMPACT
If awarded, the grant funds will be budgeted through the Sheriff’s Office with no impact to the Board. This NOFO does not require cost sharing (match).
LEGAL NOTE
The Board is authorized to take the recommended action pursuant Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve electronic signature of this grant application by the Chairman and authorize Natasha Russell, Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Accounting Specialist, to submit it electronically via Justgrants. If the grant is awarded, documentation will be presented to the Board at that time for acceptance.