WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. – First responders have some of the most stressful jobs that exist and, over time, that work can really take its toll -- emotionally and mentally. To help these responders work through their experiences, the West Bloomfield Police Department decided to tap some of their own to lend a hand. The department created a peer-to-peer support group, taking seven leaders in the department and training them to offer mental and emotional support. And if any of the peer support team members feel someone’s safety is at risk, they can call in the professionals. For West Bloomfield, that’s psychologist Melanie Schwartz.

Michigan residents can receive free, confidential emotional support counseling over the phone amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Individuals can call the COVID-19 hotline (888-535-6136) to speak with a Michigan Stay Well counselor for free ("option 8). The counselors are not licensed professionals but have been trained on how to provide emotional support to residents of federally declared disaster areas, officials said. The above hotline is also available for general COVID-19 questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. MORE: Mental health resource guide for people impacted by COVID-19 pandemic