What makes 720° Health different from other wellness intervention programs?
720° Health uniquely centers mindfulness and sense of purpose as key aspects of resilience-building. Mindfulness training has demonstrated positive relationships between mindfulness and resilience in high-stress and trauma-exposed samples. Training in mindfulness in the military and first-responder cohorts is associated with improved attentional control, cognitive resilience, recovery following high-stress training, and mechanisms related to recovery prior to stress or trauma exposure. Mindfulness training has also been shown to decrease depression, suicidal ideation, and problematic alcohol use.
In addition, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices are the most influential factors of cardiovascular disease or wellness, which is in turn one of the most treatable chronic diseases using lifestyle interventions.
720° Health uses research-supported intervention methods to target health behavior change at multiple levels. We know change doesn’t happen in a vacuum, so each agency participating in 720° Health will also be receiving support through leadership training and buy-in, culture of wellness support, and physical environmental modifications where appropriate.
How will 720° Health help my community?
Mindfulness training has also been shown to reduce bias and improve response inhibition and accuracy of rapid decision making. We believe law enforcement personnel with well-developed mindfulness skills will be better equipped to serve their communities to the highest possible standard.
What about other jurisdictions? Other states? Other types of personnel?
720° Health is designed with scalability in mind. We intend to expand the program to 60 law enforcement jurisdictions in the initial phase and ultimately the entire state. Our goal is for the program to be offered nationwide and to be adapted for other industries, including but not limited to other first responder groups and healthcare workers.
What is the Organizational Wellness Initiative?
The Organizational Wellness Initiative is a movement co-led by POST and UC San Diego to promote health and well-being of law enforcement personnel in California. The Organizational Wellness Coordinator (OWC) Training Program and 720° Health are just two opportunities for law enforcement personnel to engage in the Initiative. Future offerings will include opportunities to network with other law enforcement wellness champions and other experts, including POST Wellness Summits in 2025.
If you’re curious about how 720° Health could support you, your team, or your agency, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to learn more about the program and future opportunities to participate or adapt it for your community.