The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation was honored to participate in the recent Mental Health Awareness Fun Run hosted at the Department of State Hospitals-Coalinga (DSH-Coalinga) in California.

Representing CPOF at the event were Volunteer California Field Representative Carey Mendiboure, volunteer John Mendiboure, Board Chair Chevi Amrein, and Membership and Marketing Manager Denise Miller. The event provided an opportunity to engage with hospital employees, strengthen relationships within the correctional and forensic mental health community, and recognize the important work performed every day by those who serve in state hospital environments.

Located on the western edge of Fresno County, DSH-Coalinga opened in 2005 and serves forensically committed patients within a secure psychiatric hospital setting. The facility works closely with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), which provides perimeter security and transportation services for patients requiring outside medical treatment or court appearances.

With more than 2,200 employees across approximately 190 job classifications, DSH-Coalinga operates around the clock to provide treatment, safety, rehabilitation, and support services. Staff members include hospital police officers, psychiatric technicians, registered nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, rehabilitation therapists, plant operations staff, warehouse workers, kitchen staff, custodial personnel, information technology professionals, groundskeepers, and administrative support staff.

While many people may not immediately recognize state hospital employees as part of the correctional profession, the reality is that these professionals work daily in secure forensic environments alongside incarcerated or court-committed individuals. Their work requires dedication, professionalism, compassion, vigilance, and an unwavering commitment to public safety and patient care.

The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation proudly recognizes these professionals as part of the greater correctional family.

One of the most important messages shared during the event was that employees working in state hospitals and forensic treatment facilities are eligible for membership with the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation. Membership eligibility extends far beyond sworn correctional officers alone and includes many of the professionals who work behind the scenes to keep these facilities operating safely and effectively.

Eligible employees may include:

• Hospital police and security staff
• Psychiatric technicians
• Registered nurses and medical staff
• Psychologists and psychiatrists
• Social workers and rehabilitation therapists
• Administrative personnel
• Custodial and maintenance staff
• Warehouse and supply staff
• Food service employees
• Information technology professionals
• Transportation and support staff
• Clerical staff and office personnel
• Chaplains and spiritual leaders
• Other employees working within correctional or forensic environments

CPOF believes that every individual serving within these facilities plays an essential role and deserves recognition, support, and inclusion within the correctional community.

The Foundation would like to thank DSH-Coalinga for hosting this meaningful event and for welcoming the CPOF team. Events such as the Mental Health Awareness Fun Run not only promote wellness and awareness but also help strengthen the bonds between professionals who dedicate their lives to serving others in challenging and often unseen environments.

Together, we continue “Taking Care of Our Own.”