Episode #10: Under the Headset with Pam Opoka

Pam Opoka is the Public Safety Training Coordinator and Peer Support Program Planner at Mid-America Regional Council (MARC).  She has over 25 years of experience in Public Safety and has a master’s degree in Public Administration and is an ENP or Emergency Number Professional. Pam is active in University Research projects for peer support efficacy.  She is currently the co-chair of National Emergency Number Association’s Wellness Committee Peer Support Work Group and is a member of NENA’s Education Advisory Board. Pam is also on the State of MO Service Board Training Committee and the State of KS Coordinating Council Training Committee. She is an advocate for mental health and wellness for public safety professionals.

 

Pam spent years working as a dispatcher and knows first hand the mental and physical risks posed by the cumulative stress associated with working under the headset.  Pam is passionate about supporting her fellow dispatchers and other first responders through wellness programming, peer support, and more.

LINKS:

https://www.nena.org/page/PeerSupport (INF Doc is published here)

https://www.nena.org/page/WellnessContinuum

https://marccs-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/popoka_marc_org/EaQP5Let8gVGiIlgk5mpD2UBbTGFYqRswxkSDA4PZ0d2Uw?e=DlPHIS

https://www.marc.org/Emergency-Services-9-1-1/Regional-911-System/Training/911-Peer-Support-Program