VSO Begins Mental Health Pilot Program

Daytona Beach, FL – A pilot program that helps law enforcement officers help a person in mental distress is already working.  Volusia Sheriff (VSO) Mike Chitwood said his deputies responded to a military veteran experiencing a PTSD episode on Tuesday and were able to help him with the use of an iPad connected to SMA Healthcare. Chitwood said the veteran has 20 years of service to our country. Deputies were able to talk through some things with the veteran before connecting him through the iPad with a counselor at SMA. Without naming the veteran, Chitwood thanks him for his service and says "we have his back right here at home." Florida Power & Light supplied the funding for the iPad for VSO.