The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office was established in December 2017 by consolidating primarily the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, a majority of the Office of Health Affairs, as well as other DHS elements.
For current information related to CWMD, please visit the following:
DHSTogether, under the Office of Health Affairs, is a DHS-wide initiative focused on resilience and suicide prevention.
The important mission of protecting the nation requires DHS employees to work hard and often face life-threatening conditions – around the clock, around the world. DHSTogether provides resources to help our workforce stay healthy and cope with the challenges we encounter.
Developed in 2009 at the request of the deputy secretary, DHSTogether works with component leaders to develop programs for employees that support resilience and reduce suicide risks.
The Office of Health Affairs manages DHSTogether, with strategic guidance and input from a council of DHS leaders representing nearly all components, directorates and offices.
Current Initiatives
Component-driven Grassroots Projects
DHSTogether partners with components to support resilience-building programs. Example grassroots projects are:
- Building Strong Bonds (Customs and Border Protection)
Based on research from the National Institutes of Health Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Building Strong Bonds is a relationship enhancement program to train facilitators to help other employees learn skills to build and maintain healthy relationships. Healthy relationships, including marriages and personal relationships, are a strong positive factor in resiliency. Building Strong Bonds is intended for both married and single DHS personnel. The version of the program for single employees is entitled “Got Your Back.” - Peer Support Coordinator Training (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center) Peer Support Coordinator Training provides training in crisis intervention and care and concern support. A “train the trainers” toolkit was developed to help DHS components build peer support programs to help employees manage stress associated with critical incidents.
- Peer Support Program (FEMA) Training for coordinators to offer peer support in stress management and psychological first-aid interventions. The program incorporates existing Employee Assistance Program services, which utilize highly skilled mental health professionals (vendors), and FEMA staff volunteer peer supporters.
- Resiliency Program Coordinator Network (Customs and Border Protection)
Groundwork for building a grass-roots network of coordinators focused on health and wellness initiatives for CBP employees nationwide.
Useful Information for Employees
The Resilience Profile
An online tool that lets DHS employees assess their individual resilience and receive a customized profile with tips for strengthening resilience.
DHS employees can visit to access the resilience tool.
- DHS Resource Guides -- EAP and other resources available for employees, listed by component
- A Resilient DHS Starts with a Resilient You Brochure and Poster
Previous DHSTogether Initiatives
Contact DHSTogether
If you have questions about DHSTogether or resilience resources for the DHS workforce, contact DHSTogether@hq.dhs.gov.