Police, fire and other professionals are there for the public in times of crisis, but when they face crises themselves it’s often hard for them to get help.
Clinical psychologist David Black worked to change that after 9/11 solidified how important it is for first responders to have access to help if they’re suffering from the effects of dealing with traumatic events.
“There’s just been an absolute lack of qualified resources to assist with this,” Black said.
He developed the Cordico Shield smartphone application to help.
Now a subsidiary of Frisco, Texas-based Lexipol, Cordico Shield is used by city and state agencies across the country to help police, firefighters and other emergency services workers assess their wellness and learn about treatment options.
On Tuesday, Pittsburgh City Council approved an agreement with the company to develop the app for Pittsburgh police, fire and EMS professionals. The $67,500 contract was unanimously approved.
It is being paid for by a donation from the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh through the 10.27 Healing Partnership.
The partnership was formed after the Oct. 27, 2018, attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill.
The app will help those who respond to similar traumatic events assess their wellness, determine if they need help and direct them how to get that assistance.
“This is all about helping your high-stress workers that we all depend on,” Black said. “Making sure they can get early, easy access to support.”
The app is customized for each city and it takes about three months to create for each city, Black said.
It uses self-assessments so people can determine if they’re developing depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, or if they have a drinking problem.
It also provides peer support resources and access to local professionals who can help. It’s also designed to let first responders, who by nature are used to being in control, to be in control over how they get help, Black said.
“It’s about opening up that process,” he said.
