September 25, 2025
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Corrections has partnered with correctional research specialists from three different universities to better understand the impact wellness initiatives are having on employee well-being.
The study, referred to as Roadmap to Elevate and Advance Correctional Health or R.E.A.C.H., is run in partnership with the department’s Wellness Unit and criminal justice professors from the United States and Canada. The University of North Dakota, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the University of Winnipeg all have researchers actively engaged with the department.
The multi-year study, which was launched on Sept. 8, began with an initial data collection process open to all Michigan Department of Corrections employees. At the conclusion of the voluntary data collection, follow-up interviews will be conducted with selected participants over the course of three years to help analyze long-term wellness trends.
“We prioritize the physical health and safety of those working in our department every day, but we cannot overlook that mental health is also part of that equation,” Director Heidi E. Washington said. “The data collection in this inventory has the potential to not only improve the well-being of our staff, but those working in corrections across the country.”
Correctional employees across the nation face a higher prevalence of PTSD and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. The department created the MDOC Wellness Unit in 2019 to provide wellness resources and help foster a positive environment for workers to seek mental health support. The unit provides a 24/7 Wellness Helpline, confidential counseling, peer support, workshops, training, and more to all department employees, their immediate family members, and MDOC retirees. In the past year, the team has helped over 2000 people.
“The R.E.A.C.H. study will be invaluable to our work, as it has the potential to completely change how we think about correctional employee well-being in the future,” said Steve Lindeman, MDOC Wellness Program Manager. “This study will help us to define and breakdown some of the barriers we encounter in this work so we can continue to reach new people and provide effective support to the entire MDOC community.”
At the conclusion of the R.E.A.C.H. study, the Wellness Unit, along with the research team, will work with employees to create a collective wellness action plan. The plan will include strategies to address identified challenges and promote workplace wellness. The study is expected to conclude in 2028.
The Department of Corrections maintains public safety through the secure operation of 26 state correctional facilities and the community supervision of individuals on parole and probation. The department currently employs approximately 10,600 people, of which roughly 4,800 are correctional officers.
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