COLEMAN, a paws4people Facility Dog and Crisis Response Dog, and Kayla Coleman have been paws4people Team since 2024.
COLEMAN will serve within the Novant EMS department as a mental health and wellness resource for first responders and healthcare professionals. Emergency response work is challenging and demands so much from those dedicated to serving our communities. First responders face higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, moral injury, and anxiety issues related to the volume and severity of tragic incidents they encounter daily.
COLEMAN will help emergency workers cope with the stress and trauma that is an inevitable part of their work. He will also provide deep pressure therapy to lower cortisol levels and boost serotonin, which is a critical part of ensuring successful de-escalation from trauma and stress.
COLEMAN was a part of the paws4prisons® Program hosted by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. We are so proud of this team!