The Correctional Wellness Team from California made a powerful impact at the recent “Elevate Our Profession” and National Medal of Honor Conference held in Boston, Massachusetts. The two-day event brought together correctional professionals from across the country to focus on wellness, innovation, and recognition in the field.
Day One: A Deep Dive into Wellness
The first day of the conference was dedicated entirely to wellness, setting a powerful tone with keynote speaker Andrew “Sully” Sullivan, a former Navy SEAL from the elite SEAL Team Six. Sullivan shared gripping stories from his service and emphasized the critical importance of mental health transparency. “We must prioritize our people as highly as we prioritize the mission,” he stated, drawing a standing ovation from the audience.
Attendees then rotated through three immersive wellness workshops:
- Resilience & Boxing: Focused on mental toughness and physical empowerment.
- Defending Your Mind: Strategies for mental clarity and emotional defense.
- You Are What You Eat: Practical nutrition tips, emphasizing that small, consistent changes can significantly improve health and longevity.
Each member of the Correctional Wellness Team participated in all three sessions, gaining valuable tools to bring back to their colleagues and institutions.
Day Two: Innovation and Industry Transformation
The second day shifted focus to the future of corrections. Attendees explored emerging technologies aimed at transforming the industry—though many noted that current systems remain a decade behind and often exclude non-custody staff from their benefits.
Teams’ Highlights of the conference was:
- Mindfulness in the Workplace: Techniques to stay grounded and focused throughout the day.
- Nutrition and Movement: Encouragement to make better food choices and stay active to enhance quality of life.
- Tech Innovations: Discussions on how departments can offer free wellness classes via staff tablets, similar to inmate programming.
These sessions sparked important conversations about equity, access, and the need for modernization across all levels of correctional work.
Honoring Excellence
The conference concluded with the prestigious National Medal of Honor ceremony. In a proud moment for California, two members of the Correctional Wellness Team were nominated for national awards in recognition of their outstanding service to the correctional field and their unwavering commitment to the state.
Their nominations serve as a testament to the team’s dedication—not only to their own wellness but to uplifting the entire profession.