A new proactive approach to healthcare specifically for first responders will be unveiled in March at the California Police Chiefs Association’s annual Training Symposium.

Opt Health, a California-based healthcare company focused on health optimization and care, is a sponsor of the Training Symposium, which takes place March 9-12 in Riverside. Chiefs and command staff from law enforcement agencies all over California will gather there to talk about the challenges they face.

One of those challenges is the health of the officers under their command. Chris Collins, head of strategic partnerships for Opt Health, said the company’s goal there will be to show how a preventative health program can reduce days off the job and improve performance while working.

“There’s a new attitude about healthcare, specifically in regard to law enforcement,” Collins said. “We know they are at higher risk, their diet can be an issue, the hours they work, the stress involved…

“We are working to establish pilot programs to show how we can build resilience and reduce the number of work comp claims and sick days… We can help officers stay healthier and be more productive, both on-duty and at home. We’ve even shown that we can heal officers more quickly.”

Opt Health was founded four years ago, and began focusing on first responders three years ago, Collins said. They have recently formed a partnership with Sunstone Cities to help connect with departments.

In response to the recent Los Angeles County wildfires, the Sunstone Community Fund has made a donation to the recovery efforts. In partnership with the Annenberg Foundation, the Community Fund also offered support to the first responders who put their lives on the line during the Pacific Palisades and Eaton wildfires with a $20,000 grant for the Los Angeles County Fireman’s Welfare Fund.

“This sponsorship reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful collaborations, including with Opt Health, to ensure Los Angeles County firefighters maintain their health and well-being,” said Jayro Sandoval, Sunstone Cities Economic Development Officer and Director of the Sunstone Community Fund, a donor-advised fund. “By investing in those who safeguard our communities, we help them continue their critical work with strength and resilience.”

The Sunstone and Annenberg grants will help set up pilot programs to show how effective Opt Health’s proactive approach to healthcare can be. With its comprehensive blood test of more than 55 biomarkers, Opt Health physicians can screen for early warning signs of a multitude of medical conditions, from cancer to thyroid disease.

After initial blood work and a doctor consultation, members follow a personalized health strategy to achieve their health goals. Using quarterly updates and regular medical consultations, the individual strategy is adjusted to provide optimal results.

This type of early detection and intervention can significantly reduce sick days and improve performance for departments, as well as improving health of individuals – particularly first responders.

There is a discount for first responders and their spouses to enroll in the program. At the Riverside symposium, Opt Health will have a nurse on hand to take blood samples from those signing up to start the diagnostic process, and B-12 shots also will be available.

“Our partnership with Sunstone is our first major collaboration,” Collins said. “We will continue to work with them to reach out to other first responder associations. Together, we can make a big difference to help those who serve our communities.”

For more information about Opt Health, go to getopt.com.

For more about Sunstone Cities and how it supports healthcare facilities through Public Infrastructure Financing Solutions, go to sunstonecities.com.