Peer Support and Wellness Programs Across the Triad

Operation Resilience is our mental health and wellness initiative tailored for first responders facing job‑related trauma, stress, and burnout. We partner with regional programs such as North Carolina’s Responder Assistance Initiative (RAI), which provides peer support, licensed counseling, mobile resiliency units, and crisis debriefing services for public safety personnel statewide.

Program Features

Peer Support Networks

Qualified first responders trained in peer consultation serve as points of contact in departments—similar to the Zebulon (NC) Police Department’s peer support team model—where officers and firefighters can confidentially debrief after critical incidents or stressful calls.

Licensed Mental Health Services

Through RAI and trusted partners, responders receive free or low-cost counseling—either virtually or in person—with therapists who understand the unique culture and challenges in public safety work.

Wellness Workshops and Mobile Support

RAI hosts live and virtual sessions on stress management, resilience-building, suicide prevention, and more. Mobile Resiliency Units bring support to agencies in rural Triad communities that might otherwise lack access to mental health services.

Local Examples Making an Impact

• NC Responder Assistance Initiative (RAI): Serves DPS sworn and non-sworn personnel across NC with peer support consultations, therapy referrals, and wellness interventions at no cost to agencies and responder.
• East Wake County Peer Support Program: Smaller agencies—such as Zebulon PD—now train staff members to serve as go-to peer support contacts, creating a supportive peer network within and across agencies in the area.

Why Operation Resilience Matters

• Reduces stigma around mental health care and encourages early intervention.
• Builds resiliency among responders facing repeated traumatic exposure.
• Strengthens retention and overall well-being in volunteer and paid departments alike.

How to Get Help or Support

• Agencies can request support from NC RAI or seek peer support training.
• First responders in Triad counties can enroll in regional wellness workshops or text/call peer hotlines.
• Community partners or sponsors can help bring mental wellness events, counseling access, or resilience training to underserved agencies.