An anonymous donor has given $195,000 to fund a police wellness coordinator to be shared between the Atherton, East Palo Alto and Menlo Park police departments.

The funds are being handled by the town of Atherton, which approved the role during a June 21 City Council meeting. The money pays for the position through the company Wellness Solutions for one year on a full-time basis.

An Atherton town staff report notes that first responders' work protecting life and property, and enforcing laws are substantial responsibilities. Police officers may struggle with cardiovascular incidents, obesity and sleep disorders as well as negative mental health outcomes such as addiction, depression and post-traumatic stress.

"Officers complete these duties despite exposure to numerous and varied traumatic incidents and growing skepticism and negativity in their various communities," the report notes. "The combination of work stressors and the repercussions of traumatic events on officers emphasizes the need to better care for those who work within the law enforcement community."

Services the wellness coordinator provide include: onsite health screenings and fitness assessments; personalized fitness programs and work/life balance strategies; and yearly review of health screening findings to track improvements or potential risks.

According to the report, a regionally supported wellness initiative gives employees the confidence that their department cares for their well-being and helps the department retain employees.

Other departments that have promoted employee wellness have been shown to have decreased sick leave and injuries as well as an increased rate of department morale, the report states.

The anonymous donor agreed to fund the program on an annual basis after an analysis of the program's success and effectiveness at the end of the first program year.